What Are The Best Chinese Travel Agencies In China?

Are you planning a trip to China and feeling overwhelmed by the options? SIXT.VN understands the challenges of navigating the Chinese travel market, especially for international visitors. This guide explores the leading Chinese travel agencies, both online and offline, to help you plan your adventure with ease. We’ll delve into their services, strengths, and how they can enhance your China travel experience, covering everything from visa assistance to unique cultural tours, providing valuable insights for unforgettable journeys.

1. Overview of Top Travel Agencies in China

Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and offline agencies in China:

2. Which Is the Largest Online Travel Agency (OTA) in China?

Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is the largest and most widely used OTA in China. According to a survey, over 65% of travelers use Ctrip to plan and book their trips, marking its prominence in the Chinese tourism sector. Ctrip provides a full-service experience, encompassing a wide array of travel bookings from weekend getaways to international business trips. This platform is celebrated for its dedication to innovation, offering advanced solutions such as a global travel SOS emergency system, six travel guarantees, and efficient refund and rescheduling policies.

Ctrip’s commitment extends beyond service quality; it actively invests in other companies, including MakeMyTrip and Skyscanner, and acquired the Trip.com Group in 2017. According to Statista, the company’s market share is an impressive 41.8%, highlighting its leadership in China’s online accommodation market. The success of Ctrip demonstrates how a comprehensive approach, combined with strategic investments and cutting-edge solutions, can establish a dominant presence in a competitive market.

3. What Is the Most Popular Offline Travel Agency in China?

Traveling Bestone is the most popular offline travel agency in China. China has a large population, including many elderly individuals who are more comfortable using traditional offline travel services. Traveling Bestone operates exclusively through brick-and-mortar locations, with over 5,000 franchised agencies across the country. The agency primarily focuses on B2B services, offering specialized sightseeing tours to businesses.

The significance of the offline travel market is often underestimated, but the investments of major OTAs like Ctrip and Qunar in Traveling Bestone indicate its continued importance. These investments aim to strengthen their offline presence, highlighting the enduring value of traditional travel services in China’s diverse market.

4. In-Depth Analysis of Key Players: What Sets Them Apart?

Let’s dive deeper into some of China’s leading travel agencies, both online and offline, exploring their unique features, histories, and how they cater to the diverse needs of travelers:

4.1. Ctrip (Trip.com): A Comprehensive Travel Solution

History: Ctrip began in 1999 as a small online travel site and quickly grew thanks to the vision of James Jianzhang Liang, who recognized the potential of OTAs after observing their success in the US. The widespread adoption of smartphones in the late 2000s significantly boosted Ctrip’s growth. Today, it stands as China’s largest and most popular online travel agency.

Description: Ctrip is a comprehensive online platform where travelers can compare prices, plan vacations, and book travel services. Its mobile app enhances convenience with features like real-time flight status updates.

Years Active: 24

Website: www.ctrip.com

How to Work with Them: Ctrip is ideal for businesses aiming to reach Chinese travelers. Accommodation providers can list their properties, while others can advertise their products and services.

Commercial Conditions: Ctrip charges a service fee for accessing its services, whether for listing accommodations or advertising products.

Head Office: Shanghai, China

Parent Company: Trip.com Group Limited

Partners: TripAdvisor, Google, and others

What We Like More: Ctrip’s success is driven by its adoption of new technologies, strategic investments, and a user-friendly mobile experience. It also offers transparent policies for travel business professionals.

What We Like Less: Ctrip operates efficiently, and there is little to suggest for improvement.

4.2. Qunar: User-Generated Content Powerhouse

History: Established in 2005, Qunar started as a platform for searching and comparing airplane tickets. Over time, it expanded its offerings to become a leading OTA in China, rivaling Ctrip.

Description: Qunar offers a wide range of travel-related services. It emphasizes user-generated content, allowing users to share their travel experiences and reviews, which helps differentiate it from competitors.

Years Active: 18

Website: www.qunar.com

How to Work with Them: Qunar provides a dedicated webpage for those interested in partnering with the company, facilitating easy communication with the relevant departments.

Commercial Conditions: N/A

Head Office: Beijing, China

Parent Company: Trip.com Group

Partners: Welcome Chinese, GGV Capital, Silver Lake

What We Like More: Qunar’s use of user-generated content enhances trust and provides valuable insights for potential users.

What We Like Less: Improving transparency regarding commercial conditions and collaborations would be beneficial.

4.3. Fliggy: Targeting the Millennial Traveler

History: Originally Alitrip, Alibaba rebranded it as Fliggy in 2016. The name, meaning “flying piggy,” was chosen to appeal to the Millennial demographic. This strategy proved successful, making Fliggy a popular choice among Chinese travelers.

Description: Owned by Alibaba, Fliggy offers standard OTA services, including travel guides, A-Z travel packages, flights, and accommodations. It focuses on personalized recommendations to enhance user experience.

Years Active: 6

Website: www.fliggy.com

How to Work with Them: Fliggy offers a dedicated page for merchants interested in using its services, making it easy to enroll in the Fliggy Merchant program.

Commercial Conditions: Commercial conditions vary; it is best to visit the relevant page or contact the support center for details.

Head Office: Hangzhou, China

Parent Company: Alibaba Group

Partners: Agoda, TravelgateX, DidaTravel, and many others

What We Like More: Fliggy effectively uses user-generated data to provide personalized recommendations that align with users’ preferences and needs.

What We Like Less: There’s little to suggest for improvement.

4.4. Tongcheng Travel: Focusing on Lower-Tier Cities

History: Tongcheng Travel was formed in 2018 from the merger of eLong and Tongcheng. The merged company quickly gained trust among travelers in non-first-tier cities.

Description: Tongcheng Travel focuses on customers from lower-tier cities, with 87% of its customers coming from these areas. It offers transportation ticketing, accommodation reservations, and tourist attraction tickets, aiming to be a one-stop shop for travelers.

Years Active: 5

Website: www.tongchengir.com/

How to Work with Them: Visit the website and choose the appropriate option in the Join and Cooperate section.

Commercial Conditions: N/A

Head Office: Suzhou, China

Parent Company: Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited

Partners: Tencent, GlobalStar, Kuaishou, Awareness Kit, and more

What We Like More: Tongcheng Travel’s dedication to technology, using AI and big data to enhance customer experience, is commendable.

What We Like Less: There’s nothing that we like less about Tongcheng Travel.

4.5. Meituan-Dianping: A Super-App for Travel and More

History: Meituan, a food delivery and group-buying company founded in 2010, merged with Dianping, a restaurant review platform established in 2003, in 2015. This merger allowed both companies to expand their market reach and pursue new funding opportunities.

Description: Meituan-Dianping is a leading super-app offering a wide range of services. It entered the hotel and tourism markets after the merger and now captures over 46% of hotel bookings.

Years Active: Dianping 20 years, Meituan 13, 8 years of activity as merged companies

Website: www.meituan.com & https://www.dianping.com/

How to Work with Them: Tourism professionals should focus on working with Dianping representatives, as this sector is dedicated to building a social network for tourists.

Commercial Conditions: N/A

Head Office: Beijing, China

Parent Company: Meituan

Partners: Priceline, Pony.ai, Amadeus, Tencent, Starbucks, and more

What We Like More: The effort Meituan-Dianping puts into developing a social network for travelers, enabling them to make informed decisions and share reviews on one platform, is impressive.

What We Like Less: The “how to work with us” section on the website could be improved to attract more international partners and users.

5. Business Models and Strategies: How Do Chinese OTAs Thrive?

The Chinese OTA market is the world’s second-largest, valued at $44.7 billion, and the fastest-growing, with a growth rate of 27%. OTAs in China operate under similar business models, facing common challenges and catering to similar customer needs. Factors like COVID-19 and intense competition have pushed these OTAs to refine their strategies.

One significant shift is targeting lower-tier cities, which make up 70% of China’s urban population. This strategy allows OTAs to reach a broader audience, especially young people eager to travel and explore. According to Ctrip, over 90% of bookings are made on mobile devices, emphasizing the importance of a mobile-first approach.

The pandemic also led to the rise of weekend staycations, which remain popular, with OTAs offering boutique glamping and camping options. Additionally, multi-modal ticketing options have been introduced to facilitate trip planning, combining high-speed rail, air transport, and car rentals. Fliggy, for example, has partnered with Zuzuche, the largest mobile car rental service in China, to focus on short-trip itineraries.

User-generated content is increasingly important, driving engagement and cross-segment advertising campaigns. Live streaming has also become a key part of the business model, with Ctrip generating substantial revenue through live-streamed travel package and hotel room bookings.

6. Partnerships and Collaborations: Who Works with Whom?

Chinese OTAs actively pursue investments, partnerships, and collaborations to achieve their business goals. One notable investment is Ctrip’s $180 million stake in India’s MakeMyTrip, giving Ctrip 49% of the voting power.

In 2020, Ctrip expanded its partner network by 3,000 through its live-streaming platform aimed at promoting travel destinations. Fliggy’s partnership with Globaltix introduced emerging technologies and interactive experiences for travelers. Additionally, a strategic partnership between TripAdvisor and Ctrip in 2019 aimed to strengthen their market positions. STAAH, a US-based channel manager, partnered with Ctrip to boost inbound travel by reaching international travelers.

These collaborations enable OTAs to enhance their services, expand their reach, and leverage new technologies to improve the travel experience for their customers.

7. What Are the Challenges and Risks Faced by Chinese Travel Agencies?

Chinese OTAs face several challenges and risks, as outlined in a McKinsey report. One major issue is their dependence on airline capacity, which significantly decreased during COVID-19 and has not yet fully recovered. The low capacity has led to higher ticket prices, potentially affecting tourists’ destination choices.

Additionally, scaling in the Chinese travel market is complex due to its fragmented nature. OTAs must carefully select channel types to effectively target and reach different customer segments, making it crucial to understand the nuances of the market.

8. Regional Analysis: What Are the Key Trends?

Despite the broad service offerings of major travel agencies in China, they tailor their services to align with the latest trends. Family travel is one such trend, with an 804% increase in family air ticket sales and an 80% rise in family-friendly hotel bookings. Gen Z is also a significant market segment, with 52.7% of Chinese travelers being from Gen Z, and 50% of them using top Chinese OTAs to plan and book their travel.

Moreover, China leads in business travel expenditure, with the corporate travel market rebounding after the pandemic. Corporate travel expenditure increased by 31.7% and is projected to reach $400 billion by 2024, indicating a strong recovery and growth in this sector.

9. Market Trends, Sustainability, and Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead?

The Chinese travel market is dynamic, with several key trends shaping its future. In 2023, inbound and outbound travel increased by 170%, and the average expenditure per outbound traveler rose by 21% compared to 2019. The top departure cities are Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, with leisure being the primary purpose of international travel. China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has also expanded the list of outbound group tour destinations.

9.1. Technology Integration

Technology integration is a critical aspect of the evolution of Chinese OTAs. Fliggy has partnered with Globaltix to introduce AI chatbots, enhancing customer service and engagement. Ctrip has also launched its chatbot, TripGen, based on OpenAI, offering an interactive conversational interface to help travelers plan their trips.

Ctrip has also ventured into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with its Trekki collection, providing owners premium access to specific experiences and benefits. Fliggy has developed Artificial Reality glasses in partnership with European museums, allowing travelers to experience these museums from home, blending technology with travel in innovative ways.

9.2. Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is another important focus for Chinese OTAs, with Ctrip leading the way. Since 2017, Ctrip has partnered with UNDP and WWF to promote environmentally sustainable tourism. In 2018, Ctrip collaborated with China Southern Airlines and Tourism Toronto to distribute reusable cups and launched the “Scavenger Run – Be a Responsible Traveler” event to encourage responsible travel practices.

9.3. Future Prospects

The future of the Chinese travel market looks promising. According to Skift’s report:

• 95% of Chinese travelers plan to travel in the next 12 months.
• 50% of Chinese travelers plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months.
• China is the main travel resurgence factor in Asia Pacific tourism.
• 8% of Chinese travelers intend to increase spending on travel and vacation.

These trends indicate a robust recovery and continued growth in the Chinese travel market, driven by changing traveler preferences and innovative technology integrations.

10. Competitive Landscape: Who Are the Key Players?

While Ctrip leads the Chinese travel market, the competitive landscape remains intense, with other OTAs continuously introducing new features and improving consumer experiences. Ctrip has acquired stakes in major competitors like Tiniu and Qunar, holding 49% voting power at Qunar and 4% at Tiniu.

A notable trend among Chinese OTAs is their ambition to expand internationally, with Ctrip expanding into trains in the UK, Japan, Korea, and Japan, and Fliggy establishing itself as a global brand.

11. Navigating Your China Trip: How Can SIXT.VN Help?

Planning a trip to China can be daunting, but SIXT.VN is here to simplify the process. We offer a range of services tailored to international travelers, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.

• Personalized Itineraries: Our travel experts craft itineraries based on your interests and preferences, ensuring you see the best of China without the stress of planning.
• Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers with our reliable and comfortable service, starting your trip on the right foot.
• Hotel Bookings: We offer a curated selection of hotels to suit every budget and preference, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
• Tours and Activities: Discover China’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems with our expertly guided tours, providing cultural insights and unique experiences.

Contact SIXT.VN today and let us help you plan your dream trip to China. Our services include:

• Visa assistance
• Flight bookings
• Travel insurance
• 24/7 customer support

Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN

12. FAQs About Chinese Travel Agencies

1. Which is the best travel agency in China for international tourists?

Ctrip (Trip.com) is generally considered the best for international tourists due to its comprehensive services, multilingual support, and user-friendly platform.

2. Are Chinese travel agencies reliable?

Yes, many Chinese travel agencies are reliable, especially the larger and more established ones like Ctrip, Qunar, and Fliggy. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and check their credentials before booking.

3. Can Chinese travel agencies help with visa applications?

Some Chinese travel agencies offer visa assistance services. Check with the specific agency to see if they provide this service and what the requirements are.

4. Which travel agency is best for budget travelers in China?

Tongcheng Travel is a good option for budget travelers as it focuses on customers in lower-tier cities and offers competitive pricing.

5. Do Chinese travel agencies offer customized tour packages?

Yes, many Chinese travel agencies offer customized tour packages to suit individual preferences and needs. Contact the agency directly to discuss your requirements.

6. How can I book a tour with a Chinese travel agency from abroad?

Most Chinese travel agencies have online platforms where you can browse and book tours. You can also contact them via email or phone for assistance.

7. Which travel agency is best for booking train tickets in China?

Ctrip and Qunar are both excellent options for booking train tickets in China, offering convenient online booking and a wide range of options.

8. Are there any travel agencies in China that specialize in eco-tourism?

While not exclusively focused on eco-tourism, Ctrip has been actively promoting sustainable travel practices and may offer eco-friendly tour options.

9. How do I ensure the travel agency is licensed and legitimate?

Check if the travel agency has a valid business license and tourism permit. You can also verify their credentials with the local tourism authority.

10. What payment methods are accepted by Chinese travel agencies?

Most Chinese travel agencies accept major credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank transfers. Check with the specific agency for their accepted payment methods.

By understanding the top Chinese travel agencies and their offerings, you can plan a memorable and hassle-free trip to China. SIXT.VN is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring your travel experience exceeds your expectations.