New data suggests China is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing destinations among Australian travellers.
Searches are up 44 per cent year on year over the past six months, outpacing even Japan at 41 per cent growth over the same period, according to travel search engine Skyscanner.
Jarrod Kris, Skyscanner Travel Expert, said Gen Z travellers in particular were driving the trend, drawn to China’s untapped culture and attractions through social media, particularly TikTok.
For Aussies looking to add China to their bucket list in 2026, Skyscanner has revealed months (including pricing) to travel as well as top tips and advice for how to get the most bang for your buck.
Based on current pricing, the cheapest months and lowest available return fares to Hong Kong from major Australian cities are:
- Perth: from $599, return in August
- Melbourne: from $643, return in November
- Sydney: from $688, return in August
- Adelaide: from $710, return in June 2027
- Brisbane: from $838, return in March 2027
Looking at tips when travelling to China, Mr Kris recommends booking activities, transport and accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute price surges, setting up Skyscanner price alerts and using the flexible dates search to find the cheapest month to fly.
Downloading essential apps before departure, including WeChat, Alipay, Amap and Didi, is also strongly advised, as is securing travel insurance.
Once in China, the high-speed rail network often offers better value and convenience than domestic flights for travelling between cities.
