Why China is emerging as the new 'foodie' holiday spot for curious Aussies
A new visa-free period makes it easier to holiday there.
An Asian hot spot is emerging as the new in-the-know foodie destination - and an added bonus is the country has just made it easier for Australians to holiday there.
Aussie passport holders can now visit China without a visa for 30 days, making it simpler - and cheaper - to book travel, particularly for families.
Tour company Intrepid Travel has logged an upswing of 86 per cent in the number of Aussies booking the company's China tours - showcasing the country's rich food, culture and history - since the new extended visa was introduced.
According to the company's managing director Asia, Natalie Kidd, one of the main draw cards is the incredible array of food.
"For me, the thing that stands out and continues to impress and surprise me about China is the cuisine, because that's the cultural window into China," Ms Kidd said.
"Apart from the fact that it is incredibly varied and incredibly tasty - some of the best food I've had anywhere in the world - it's that real connector, because Chinese people are so passionate about their food."
Communal dining is common in China. Because the country is so large, there is not only an array of climates but also cuisines - from Beijing roast duck to Sichuan cuisine and street side snacks including dumplings and roast chestnuts in Shanghai.
"Being able to go walk through hutongs (narrow streets), or in Shanghai, go to some of the street food areas where you've got fifth, sixth, 10th generation people cooking the one street side snack, where people line up every morning, to me, that's a really good connector to community and culture," Ms Kidd said.
Trips increasing
The number of Australians booking holidays to China through Flight Centre increased by 14 per cent in December compared to the previous year.
Aussie spend per trip is up almost 40 per cent and the length of stay has risen from 20 to 23 days, the travel agent's data shows.
Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh said the figures show more Aussie holidaymakers are booking China since the visa extension was introduced.
"Anything they are saving on visas is instead being injected into the local visitor economy with travellers to China spending 38 per cent more on average than they were the same time last year," he said.
China travel advice
China has included Australia in its visa waiver program from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
The visa-free period was initially for 15 days but was updated to 30 days from November 30, 2024.
If you hold an ordinary Australian passport, you can enter China without a visa for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends or transit. Different rules apply for official and diplomatic passport holders.
For travel alerts and health and safety information, including information about visas, visit www.smartraveller.gov.au
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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