It is only of late that the seasoned tourists from India, having covered most of the other places, looked towards China and Japan as a destination that otherwise have been mystic and elusive, says Pragya Adiraj, Founder, JoyNCrew in an exclusive conversation.
Q. How do you see the rise in Indian travellers choosing China for immersive cultural and adventure experiences? A. Indians have traditionally been limiting themselves to very few locations for tourism. It is only of late that the seasoned tourists from India, having covered most of the other places, looked towards China and Japan as a destination that otherwise have been mystic and elusive. China opened up tourism to the world very late because of their ‘closed door’ policy. It is only after 1978 that China became more tourist friendly. India and China have politically become flexible and are going easy on the Visa approvals. And those who have visited China are all in awe and spread their experiences which in turn are encouraging others to visit the country.
Q. How high‑speed rail and modern infrastructure are reshaping travel across Chinese cities? A. For any industry to develop, transportation plays a key role. The Chinese government has invested heavily in not only rail, but also Road communication to make sure that there is ease of mobility and time saved. The rail connectivity which is comparable to the best in the world has reduced the cost of travel from one place to another within China. The facilities provided in the train or for excellent and user-friendly. Unlike India, the train journey is not considered as a second alternative in China for tourists.
Q.How do you see the appeal of UNESCO sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army among Indian travellers? A. For most of the Indian tourist, the mentioned UNESCO sites had been only something they had read about or seen in videos till Recent past. The opportunity to be there and to experience these historical marvels in person has been accepted by the Indian tourists with great enthusiasm and growing curiosity.
Q. Apart from the cultural side. how has been the growth of adventure segment, especially to the adventure highlights such as the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain cable car, and Yangtze River cruise?
A. While there are many Glass bridges in the world, the Zhangjiajie Glass bridge has its own charm and adventure because of the ambience around. The valley below and the enormity of the mountains around gives a sense of Pure awe and wonder. While it is scary in the initial steps, it becomes more comfortable and enjoyable as you move forward. The adrenaline rush he is guaranteed when you are on the bridge. TianmenMountain cable car is an experience that leaves you mesmerised. The engineering Marvel is nothing short of a testament to human ingenuity. While travelling a distance of 7.5km, what you see is a treat to the eyes with nature at its best. A Yangtze cruise is a slow, scenic journey through some of China’s most dramatic landscapes, blended with history and modern engineering marvels.
Q. Which part of the country (China) would be cost effective for a budget traveller while planning a trip in 2026? A. For a budget traveller planning a trip to China in 2026, the most cost‑effective regions are generally the interior and southern provinces rather than the big coastal hubs. Cities like Chengdu in Sichuan, Xi’an in Shaanxi, Kunming in Yunnan, and Guilin in Guangxi tend to be far cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai. Accommodation, food, and local transport in these areas can be 20–30% less expensive, and you’ll still find rich cultural experiences such as the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, panda sanctuaries in Chengdu, or the stunning karst landscapes of Guilin. Choosing slower trains instead of high‑speed rail and eating at local street stalls rather than tourist restaurants are simple ways to stretch your budget further.
Q.Also, could you provide the number of travellers you sent to China during previous year? A. Last year we had a very strong response to our China programs, with hundreds of guests choosing both our fixed‑departure group tours and our customized itineraries. Many travellers were drawn to the classic Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai circuit, while others explored more off‑beat regions like Sichuan and Yunnan. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, especially around the seamless visa support, curated sightseeing, and the balance of cultural immersion with comfort. It was clear that interest in China is steadily rising among Indian travellers, and we’re building on that momentum with expanded offerings and more departure dates in 2026.
