Look out Bali and Japan - surprising nation Australians are flocking to (2025)

1/53

When you think of Australians’ favourite overseas holiday destinations, you may think of the likes of New Zealand, Fiji, Bali or Japan – or even the long haul to the US or UK. But surprising Australian Bureau of Statistics data has shown that China should also be on that list. Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP

2/53

In 2024, 561,060 Australians travelled to China, an enormous 124 per cent rise year on year, making the nation the seventh most popular destination in 2024. Ahead of China is Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, the US, the UK and Thailand. Photo: istock

3/53

The visa move saw bookings to China dramatically increase to start 2025. "Travellers can now skip the often lengthy visa application process, making spontaneous trips more feasible," managing director of Asia for Intrepid Travel Natalie Kidd told Nine Travel. Photo: istock

4/53

The visa move saw bookings to China dramatically increase to start 2025. “Travellers can now skip the often lengthy visa application process, making spontaneous trips more feasible,” managing director of Asia for Intrepid Travel Natalie Kidd told Nine Travel. Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP

5/53

Although it’s easier to get into the country, Smart Traveller still rates China “Exercise a high degree of caution”. This is due to foreigners having been detained on grounds of “endangering national security”. Protests and large gatherings are also strictly controlled by the Chinese government and the website suggests avoiding and not photographing or videoing protests. Photo: istock

6/53

One of the best things about China is that you can travel to the nation at any time of the year. At 9.597 million square km, the third largest country in the world, so has everything you’d need from hot to cold to temperate climates throughout the year. Photo: istock

7/53

Interestingly, most people out of Australia book in couples and most of the couple bookings according to Intrepid are in the 61-70 age range. Photo: istock

8/53

China is a modern superpower but it is also an ancient nation, with a cultural influence that spans 3600 years of written history. China features 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has over 1200 festivals each year. Picture: Brett Hartwig

9/53

The capital city of China is Beijing and it sits in the northern part of the country. The city itself has been the heart of the nation since ancient times, with its history stretching back 3000 years. Photo: istock

10/53

The Great Wall of China is probably one of the most popular landmarks in the world, having been built since as far back as the seventh century BCE. It had been developed over the centuries and is 21,196km long. Photo: istock

11/53

More than 10 million people a year visit the wall, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. From Beijing, tourists can access Mutianyu and Badaling. Photo: istock

12/53

But it’s far from the only attraction in the Chinese capital. The Forbidden City offers had been the centre of Chinese power for five centuries after it was commissioned in the early 15th century as well as giving examples of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Photo: istock

13/53

Another historically significant site is Tiananmen Square, the city square in the heart of the city. The square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Photo: istock

14/53

Footage filmed from the balcony of a Beijing Hotel room, showing a man approaching a convoy of tanks in Tiananmen Square, on June 5, 1989. ABC News cameraman Willie Phua captured one of the most influential images in history: Tank Man. Picture: ABC News Australia / Willie Phua

15/53

The Summer Palace is another UNESCO World Heritage site and includes lakes, gardens and palaces, and was a residence for the emperor in the Qing dynasty. Photo: istock

16/53

The Temple of Heaven is another World Heritage site, featuring a series of religious buildings used by emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Photo: istock

17/53

To the southwest, Xi’an is another major city in China which houses the famous Terracotta Warriors. Picture: istock

18/53

Considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, the Terracotta Warriors are an army of life-size soldiers. They depicted the armies of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang.

19/53

The 8000 warriors, horses and chariots were buried to protect Qin in the afterlife. But in 1974, the warriors were discovered and are one of the true archaeological discoveries of all-time. Photo: Sarah Nicholson

20/53

Xi’an is also known for its city walls. They are one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls, which are from the 14th century. It’s unsurprising as Xi’an was the capital for 13 ancient Chinese dynasties. Photo: istock

21/53

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is another iconic location, which is also on the World Heritage List. It was built in the seventh century during the Tang dynasty and is a Buddhist pagoda which was built to house hundreds of Sanskrit scriptures that had been brought back from India. Photo: istock

22/53

The most striking feature is Ice and Snow World, which features full sized buildings made of 2-3 inch thick blocks of ice from the Songhua River. Photo: istock

23/53

In the north of the country is the city of Harbin, which was voted “China Top Tourist City” by the China National Tourism Administration in 2004. The city is not too far from the Russian border and is known for its bitterly cold winter. But it also has the Ice and Snow Festival, running from around Christmas to mid-February. Photo: istock

24/53

Shanghai is the most populous urban area in China and is one of the ten biggest economic hubs in the world. Photo: istock

25/53

It also features varied styles, including Art Deco and shikumen as well as museums and historic buildings. Photo: istock

26/53

The Bund is the famous waterfront area in Shanghai with a 1.5km stretch along the Huangpu River. It features luxury hotels, restaurants and shops as well as spectacular views of the Shanghai skyline. Photo: istock

27/53

City God Temple and Yu Garden are two big tourist attractions. The City God Temple was first built in 1403, before Yu Garden was built next door in 1559. They are two of the most treasured cultural and historical landmarks in Shanghai. Photo: istock

28/53

The City God Temple was built for the city god, who is believed to protect the city and its inhabitants and features intricate traditional Chinese architecture. Photo: istock

29/53

Yu Garden is about a 5-acre space which features rockeries, pavilions, ponds, bridges, and lush greenery, including the Exquisite Jade Rock formation and Grand Rockery. Photo: istock

30/53

China Pavilion is another architectural marvel, appearing to be like a upside down pyramid. Originally built for Expo 2010, afterwards it was repurposed as the China Art Museum, the largest art museum in Asia. Photo: istock

31/53

There is also the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, a stunning building which features the world’s largest planetarium. Photo: istock

32/53

Chongqing is the only Chinese city with a population of over 30 million, although this also includes a large rural population. Photo: istock

33/53

Situated between the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers and surrounded by mountains, it’s been given the nickname “Mountain City”. Photo: istock

34/53

With a history of over 3000 years, it previously served as the provisional capital of China during WWII and is a centre for manufacturing, logistics and finance. Photo: istock

35/53

But it’s also become a viral social media star with countless videos marvelling at the city’s unique and striking cityscape. Buildings are often perched on hillsides with interconnected winding roads and staircases as well as being surrounded by natural beauty. Photo: istock

36/53

Chongqing is also a rapidly developing city which embraces technology and innovation, leaving a modern skyline that comes to life at night. Photo: istock

37/53

For those who love scenery, Guilin in the south of the country has become one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. Photo: istock

38/53

Featuring towering limestone mountains along the Li River, it’s a stunning backdrop that is a photographer’s dream. Photo: istock

39/53

Just look at it! Photo: istock

40/53

The Longji rice terraces in the Guangxi province are also iconic locations that you have undoubtedly seen in countless photographs. Photo: istock

41/53

Macau is the Las Vegas of the East and is a tourist draw, featuring world-class entertainment and gaming. Photo: istock

42/53

Similarly, Hainen is China’s answer to Hawaii, featuring pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Photo: istock

43/53

It’s one of China’s premier beach holiday destinations considering it’s the southernmost province of the country. Photo: istock

44/53

For the animal lovers who want to see pandas up close, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is home to nearly 120 giant and 76 red pandas. The base is focused on breeding programs and have been successful at their programs. Photo: istock

45/53

And during summer and autumn, there are even newborns in nursery incubators as they try to increase the numbers of the animals. The WWF says there are less than 2000 left in the wild. Photo: istock

46/53

Outside of that, Chengdu is known for its laid-back lifestyle, nature, teahouses and spicy cuisine. Photo: istock

47/53

400km north of Chengdu is the stunning Jiuzhaigou National Park, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. Photo: istock

48/53

t is home to rare flora and fauna including the giant panda and Sichuan golden monkey. Photo: istock

49/53

Its name means “Valley of Nine Villages” referring to nine Tibetan villages in the park and is known for its stunning landscapes, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests and snow-capped peaks. Photo: istock

50/53

It attracts millions of visitors every year. Photo: istock

51/53

For those who love to be on the water, a Yangtze River Cruise, often between Chongquin and Yiching is an incredible way to see the country. The Yangtzee is the third longest river in the world, and longest in Eurasia. And there are several companies that run these cruises. Photo: istock

52/53

One of the biggest draws of these cruises is the Three Gorges. Spanning over 200km in length, the gorges are recognised as one of China’s top 10 scenic spots. This is the Qutang gorge. Photo: istock

53/53

But there’s plenty more to discover in the nation, and Australians have shown they want to check it out. Photo: istock