Biggest myths and misconceptions about China among travellers debunked

Aussies are showing renewed enthusiasm for travel to China with tourism surging – but there’s still one big misconception about the thriving Asian destination.

Aussies are known to frequent destinations like Thailand, Bali and Japan – but there’s a new international player in town.

Australians are showing renewed enthusiasm for travel to China, with tourism surging thanks in part to a 30-day, visa-free policy introduced mid last year and budget-friendly tour packages.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed the number of Aussies visiting China surged to 85.32 per cent in 2024, up to 580,500 visitors, compared to the year before (313,240).

The number of Australians travelling to China has surged, particularly with visa-free travel of up to 30 days, until the end of the year.

The trend has continued into 2025, with the number in February rising by 73.6 per cent compared to February last year (40,670), reaching 70,590.

The figure isn’t far behind Australians’ much-loved overseas destination, Japan, which recorded 97,290 visits during the same month.

One Aussie traveller revealed in a TikTok she spent just $999 during 10 days in China on a Trip A Deal tour.

“This included our return international airfares from Melbourne, one internal flight, daily buffet breakfast, all accommodation and some tourist attractions,” Demi, a travel blogger from the Gold Coast said.

“I spent $170 on food all up for the 10 days – this averaged out to be $17 per day, it’s very cheap to eat in China.

“You have the option to add any tours onto your ti so this cost me $100.

@whereisdem How much I spent travelling china for 10 days! #travel #traveltiktok #traveltips #china #chinatips #tripadeal #tripadealchina #aussieinchina @TripADeal ♬ original sound - Demi

“This one is definitely optional but I spent $500 on shopping so obviously it’s very cheap.”

But while China continues to soar in popularity, with Aussies able to travel without a paid visa for up to 30 days, there are still big misconceptions surrounding the country that can otherwise deter some travellers.

Simon Bell, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours Australia, said some Aussies are under the impression China is just big cities and concrete jungles – but he said this couldn’t be further from the truth.

One of the biggest misconceptions about China, according to a travel expert, is that it’s a concrete jungle with nothing beyond skyscrapers. Picture: Shutterstock

“Yes, China’s cities are impressive and while cities like Beijing and Shanghai are world-renowned, China is home to incredible natural wonders and lush green spaces, quaint rural villages, and national parks that rival anything seen elsewhere in the world,” he said.

He said many travellers are surprised by just how much natural beauty China has to offer.

“For many of our customers, the natural scenery ends up being the most memorable and rewarding part of their journey,” Simon told news.com.au.

Another big myth is that it’s hard to get around, with the expert saying China has one of the most advanced transport networks in the world. Picture: Shutterstock

He said another big myth is that it’s hard to get around and communicate.

“China has one of the most advanced transport networks in the world, including high-speed trains that rival air travel,” Simon explained.

He said while not everyone speaks English, translation apps, signage in key areas, and tour guides with reputable companies, make getting around easier than many expect.

And believe it or not, it’s also a foodie paradise.

@colorfulpanda2024 Twelve places you must visit when you first come to Guangzhou#guangzhou #guangzhou_china #guangzhouthingstodo #guangzhoutravel #ChinaTourism #Guangzhou ♬ 原聲 - Hanna in Guangzhou

@adventureamore1 China is huge — and when you’re trying to cover it in 15 days, you’re basically in transit as much as you’re exploring. Bullet trains, planes, metros, boats, taxis — nonstop. You need gear that keeps up. The Gomatic Check-in did exactly that. It glides like a dream (shoutout to the 360° wheels), it’s TSA-lock approved, and it expands from 87L to 127L — which we absolutely needed after cramming in snacks, jackets, and half of Shanghai. Here’s the trip: Days 1–3: Zhangjiajie. We kicked things off with the epic Tianmen Mountain — cliffside skywalks, deep valleys, and vertical drops that don’t feel real. Then the Avatar mountains, straight out of another world. That night? The glowing madness of the 72 Wonder Tower. Finished with the insane glass bridge and a calm drift across Baofeng Lake surrounded by jungle cliffs. Day 4: Caught a bullet train to Fenghuang Ancient Town, where ancient stilt houses and stone alleys line the river, lit by red lanterns at night. Quiet, timeless, and unforgettable. Days 5–8: Shanghai. Neon skylines, the Bund, Nanjing Road, hidden temples, and a day at Disneyland. From 1am street dumplings to 100th-floor views, this city never slows down. Days 9–10: Bullet train to Shangrao, then a taxi deep into the mountains to Wangxian Valley — where villages sit on cliff edges and clouds roll right through your window. Remote, surreal, and one of the most unique stays we’ve ever had. Day 11: Back to Shanghai for a refuel. Days 12–15: Beijing. The Great Wall. The Forbidden City. The world’s biggest Universal Studios. And a proper Peking duck feast that ended the trip right. 4 regions. 15 days. Constant movement. And one suitcase that never missed a beat. #GomaticCheckIn #ChinaTravel #AdventureAmore #Zhangjiajie #ShanghaiTrip #WangxianValley #FenghuangTown #BeijingAdventures #CoupleTravel #LuggageThatLasts ♬ original sound - Adventure.amore

“Every region has its own distinctive cuisine, from the bold spices of Sichuan to the dumplings of the north. We make it a priority to introduce our guests to local specialties in every location, and with all meals included in our Classic tours, it’s a delicious (and stress-free) part of the experience,” he said.

Simon said the introduction of visa-free travel is part of the reason Wendy Wu Tours Australia has seen a significant uplift, with bookings to China more than doubling compared to last year.

Wendy Wu Tours Australia has seen double the number of bookings to China compared to last year, with one-third of travellers being returning guests keen to explore more of the country.

“In the past six months, China has returned to being one of our top-booked destinations, with many travellers opting for group tours that allow them to take full advantage of the visa-free policy – while also exploring both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path gems. This trend is continuing to gain momentum,” he said.

“There are several key factors behind this boom – awareness of China as a destination has grown, and travellers are increasingly drawn to its unique mix of modern cities, rich culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

One of the reasons behind the surge is China as a destination has grown, and travellers are increasingly drawn to its unique mix of modern cities and rich culture.

“We’ve also seen increased airline capacity, with more direct flight options and new carriers entering the Australian market, and a notable improvement in public sentiment following the removal of trade barriers. All of this has combined to make China an exciting and attainable destination for Australians in 2025.”

Simon said the Aussie company’s most popular tours tend to cater to first-time visitors who are keen to experience China’s iconic highlights.

“These itineraries often include Beijing, the Great Wall, Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors, and a Yangtze River Cruise, offering the perfect balance of urban energy, cultural depth, and scenic beauty.”

There’s around 52 China tour packages with some that also include other Asian destinations like Japan and Singapore. Fully inclusive group tours for 10 days start from 5580pp twin share (In Pursuit of Pandas).