Beyond the Brochure: A Review of Wendy Wu’s China Tours
At Travel Club Elite, we love connecting our community with trusted travel experts – and when it comes to exploring China, few offer better knowledge and expertise than Wendy Wu Tours. We recently sat down again with Chris So Woon Yuen, one of their passionate representatives, for an exclusive review of Wendy Wu’s ever-evolving range of China tours.
In this review of Wendy Wu’s China Tours, we go far beyond the glossy pages of a brochure. Chris shared fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about the history of the Wendy Wu brand, why China is a must-see destination, and what makes Wendy Wu’s tours to China different. Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Great Wall, cruising the Yangtze River, or tasting authentic dim sum in Xi’an, this in-depth conversation gives you a true feel for the Wendy Wu experience in China. It’s a must-read for anyone considering their first (or next) adventure to the Middle Kingdom.
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel below, or listen to the podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Podcasts.
From Petrochemistry to Travel: Wendy’s Story
When you hear “Wendy Wu Tours,” you probably already have a good idea where our story begins. The name kind of gives it away, doesn’t it? But what many people don’t realise is that Wendy Wu is a real person – and she’s still very much at the heart of everything we do. We’re still a family-run business, and Wendy remains hands-on, involved in the day-to-day, just like she was when it all began. That personal touch? It’s one of the reasons our tours continue to stand out today. Wendy has always had a love for travel, but growing up, her parents had other ideas. They nudged her toward science, hoping she’d become a doctor or engineer. So, off she went and earned a degree in petrochemistry, not exactly the most obvious path to a travel career!
In her twenties, Wendy decided it was time to see the world. Born and raised in Tibet and later moving to Beijing, she felt a strong pull to revisit China. While planning a personal trip with her husband, a last-minute job offer meant he had to stay behind. Rather than cancel, Wendy went anyway, and subsequently placed a small ad in a local paper to see if anyone else wanted to join her. To her surprise, 12 people signed up for that very first tour.
When she got back to Australia, she walked into a travel agency and said, “This is what I want to do.” And that was it. Wendy Wu Tours officially began 28 years ago in Australia, and a couple of years later in the UK. What started as one trip has since become a trusted name in travel across the world.
Why China?
China is one of those places that has everything: incredible history, jaw-dropping landscapes, mouth-watering food, and a culture that’s both ancient and constantly evolving. Sure, the headlines can sometimes give people pause, but once you’re there, the richness of the country really shines through. Whether you’re walking along the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, or standing in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, there’s a wow moment waiting around every corner. Then there are the lesser-known gems such as the Zhangjiajie, with its surreal mountain peaks that inspired the floating landscapes in Avatar. And if you’re into food, Chinese cuisine in China is a whole different game in comparison to the UK.
What Makes Wendy Wu Tours Different?
We’re all about genuine experiences. Of course, we’ll take you to the big-ticket sights, but we also go beyond them. Our tours are designed to give you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Take Beijing, for example. After exploring iconic landmarks like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, we guide you through the hutongs, those traditional alleyways where you’ll share lunch with a local family. It’s these personal, cultural touches that people remember long after the trip ends. And thanks to Wendy’s deep roots in China, we know all the best spots, including quieter sections of the Great Wall, where you might just have the place to yourself. Perfect for soaking in the moment and snapping that postcard-worthy photo.
Travel Styles to Suit Every Explorer
No matter how you like to travel, we’ve got a style to suit you. Our Classic Group Tours take care of everything – from visas and meals to expert guides and even a bit of extra space on the coach (yes, we guarantee 1.5 seats per person). If you’re after something a little more adventurous, our Go Beyond Tours dive deeper into off-the-beaten-path destinations and include more active experiences.
Looking for something tailored just to you? Our Tailor-Made Holidays are fully personalised, built around your interests and travel style. Prefer a more intimate experience? Any of our itineraries can be adapted into a Private Tour, ideal for couples, families (kids aged 12 and up), or small groups. And for those travelling solo, we’ve got dedicated Solo Traveller Options – you can either join a group or choose from tours designed especially for independent explorers.
Travel Tales: Lost in Translation (and Dumplings)
One of my favourite memories from travelling in China? Walking into a bustling little dim sum shop that had been run by the same family for over 150 years. The smell was incredible, and I was so excited that I tried to order six portions of eight dumplings… by accident. The server looked at me like I was slightly unhinged, and thankfully, I ended up with just one plate. Still, the kitchen staff were peeking around the corner to get a look at the confused tourist. Slightly embarrassing? Maybe. But this also really added to the experience. And the dumplings? Absolutely unforgettable.
When Should You Go To China?
We’re really thoughtful about when we run our tours – if it’s in our brochure, it’s because that time of year is ideal for the destination. Personally, I love travelling to China in October or November. It’s cooler up north, still warm down south, and there are fewer crowds. Plus, the weather is usually clear and dry, making it perfect for exploring.
Current Wendy Wu Offers You Shouldn’t Miss
Right now, we’re offering two free nights as a stopover when you fly with Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines. That means you can break up your journey with a bonus stay in Hong Kong or Singapore on us. Or, if you’d prefer, you can add extra nights in Beijing or Shanghai. And if you’re a fan of Race Across the World, you’ll be excited to know the new season kicks off in China. We’ve got some great promotions planned around it, so stay tuned!
Final Thoughts
China isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience. And with Wendy Wu Tours, you get to see it in a way that’s authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable. From ancient wonders to modern cities, quiet villages to dramatic landscapes, every tour is crafted to help you connect with the real China. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. So if China’s been on your travel radar, there’s no better time to make it happen.
Why Wendy Wu Love Working With Travel Club Elite
Obviously, Travel Club Elite are one of our key partners and they’ve been strong supporters of Wendy Wu Tours for many, many years. We’ve worked with them for a long time, and like I said, they’re one of our key, key partners.
So yeah, by all means, pop along to Travel Club Elite if you’d like to book a Wendy Wu Tour. You’ll still get the same great service, just booked through them!
View Wendy Wu’s wide selection of tours to China: Wendy Wu China Tours | Save £££
If you’re interested in booking a Wendy Wu China Tour with exclusive extra savings, call free on 0800 707 6229 to speak to one of our experienced travel experts. Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com. ABTA 40+ Years, Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.