ExploreChina Holidays Review: 35 Years, 50,000 Travellers
Planning • 6 min read
Before You Book a $999 China Tour, You Want to Know Who You're Booking With
A healthy dose of scepticism when booking a tour for $999 per person including flights is completely reasonable. "How can that be real?" is a question we hear often — and it's a fair one. So here's the full picture of who ExploreChina Holidays is, how we operate, and why the pricing is genuine.
Company History
ExploreChina Holidays is a Sydney-based China tour specialist with management expertise dating back to 1985. We have served over 50,000 travellers across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Our office is located at Level 3, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000 — a real office with a real team.
CTS Backing: What It Means
All ExploreChina tours are quality guaranteed by CTS — China Travel Group. CTS is China's oldest and largest travel group, with operations spanning the globe. This backing provides on-the-ground teams across every major Chinese city, established relationships with hotels, restaurants, and transport providers, guide employment and quality assurance, and emergency support infrastructure throughout China.
CTS backing is what allows ExploreChina to offer competitive pricing with genuinely high-quality experiences. We're not a startup trying to figure out China — we're connected to the deepest, most established travel network in the country.
What Sets ExploreChina Apart
Flights included in every price: Many operators quote land-only prices and add flights as an extra. Our advertised prices include return international flights from your departure city.
No forced shopping stops: Our itineraries contain zero commission-based shopping stops. Your time is spent on genuine attractions and experiences.
Dedicated English-speaking guide: Not a local guide who meets you at one site — a dedicated guide who travels with you for the entire tour, from arrival to departure.
Transparent pricing: The price on our website is the price you pay for the core tour. Optional upgrades (private tour, single room, business class) are clearly listed with transparent pricing.
Our 11 Tours at a Glance
We offer 11 curated tours ranging from 10 to 21 days and from $999 to $4,799 per person (AUD). Every tour includes return flights, hotels, guide, transfers, and entrance fees. Tours range from our entry-level Amazing China (10 days, Beijing to Shanghai) to comprehensive journeys like Exquisite China (21 days) and specialist itineraries like our Silk Road (16 days) and Tibet & Sacred Heartland (13 days).
The Booking Experience
From first enquiry to return home, here's what to expect: browse tours and departure dates online, contact us with questions via WhatsApp (+61 468 277 776), email (enquiry@explorechinaholidays.com), or live chat, book online with a $300 per person deposit through secure Stripe checkout, receive your booking confirmation and pre-departure guide, submit passport details through a secure link, staged payments are automatically processed according to our published schedule, enjoy your tour with 24/7 support, and receive post-trip follow-up and invitation to share feedback.
Contact and Verification
We're fully contactable and verifiable. Our email is enquiry@explorechinaholidays.com, WhatsApp is +61 468 277 776, our physical address is Level 3, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000, and our website is explorechinaholidays.com.au. If you want to verify our legitimacy before booking, we encourage you to call, visit, or search for ExploreChina Holidays and CTS China Travel Group online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExploreChina Holidays a legitimate company?
Yes. ExploreChina Holidays is a Sydney-based tour operator at Level 3, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000, backed by CTS (China Travel Group) since 1985 with over 50,000 travellers served.
What is CTS and why does it matter?
CTS (China Travel Group) is China's oldest and largest travel group. Their backing provides on-ground teams, hotel relationships, guide employment, and emergency support across all Chinese cities.
How can a tour cost $999 including flights?
CTS backing gives us direct access to negotiated airline, hotel, and ground service rates. Our volume (50,000+ travellers) creates buying power that independent operators cannot match.
How do I contact ExploreChina Holidays?
Email enquiry@explorechinaholidays.com, WhatsApp +61 468 277 776, or visit Level 3, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
What is included in every tour?
Return international flights, hotel accommodation, a dedicated English-speaking guide for the entire trip, all transfers, and entrance fees to all listed attractions. No forced shopping stops.