Elisabeth Kwong, a Brisbane resident, recently fulfilled a long-held dream by visiting Beijing’s Forbidden City in April. It marked her first trip to China, a country she had connected with since studying Chinese in high school. Her passion for Chinese culture, sparked by years of watching historical dramas and language classes, made the visit even more meaningful.
“I think I’ve always felt there is a love for China, a bit of a connection to it, as we’ve been going to Chinese classes,” said Elisabeth. “I was really keen to go for a trip to China and just see what it’s like for myself.”
Elisabeth’s experience is part of a broader trend of Australians rediscovering China as a travel destination. The surge in Australian visitors can be attributed in part to China’s 15-day, visa-free policy introduced in June 2024, which was later extended to 30 days in November 2024 and remains valid through the end of 2025. This move has significantly boosted interest in the country, with the number of Australian residents visiting China increasing by 85.32% in 2024, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. In total, 580,500 Australians traveled to China in 2024, up from 313,240 the previous year.
This renewed enthusiasm reflects growing cultural and tourism ties between Australia and China, as more Australians look to explore the rich history, landmarks, and unique experiences that the country offers.
