As a small travel service company, we mainly serve ordinary-income travelers and are committed to making travel in China financially accessible for this group. Rather than pursuing market scale, we focus on designing products that align with their actual travel needs.

In the real structure of travel consumption, for ordinary-income travelers, a complete trip is not only a matter of time and planning, but is also heavily influenced by overall budget constraints. When transportation, accommodation, and attraction entrance fees are combined, they can significantly raise the threshold for travel, thereby limiting both the frequency of trips and the range of possible choices.

From a more realistic perspective, however, the value of travel does not come solely from a few paid attractions. A city itself contains a wide range of everyday life scenes—streets, parks, public squares, night markets, local food areas, and commercial districts—which are also an essential part of the travel experience and, in many cases, reflect the city's most authentic state.

Based on this understanding, we have gradually developed the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model" through our long-term service practice. The core of this model is not simply to reduce the number of attractions, nor to deliberately exclude sightseeing experiences, but rather to restructure and rebalance the overall budget allocation.

It should be emphasized that "avoiding paid attractions" does not mean there are no attractions to visit. Free attractions themselves also offer significant value and enjoyment. Many city parks, waterfront areas, historical districts, and open public spaces already provide complete and meaningful travel experiences on their own.

Therefore, this model does not reduce the quality of the travel experience. Instead, by choosing not to enter paid scenic areas, it reallocates the budget from entrance fees to broader city experiences, allowing the overall journey to remain rich, diverse, and complete.

In this section, we introduce Tourism Service Model 4: the Avoid Paid Attractions Model. If you are exploring different options, you can also refer to our other service models below.

Tourism Service Model 1: Fixed Itinerary Tour

 Tourism Service Model 2: Name-Your-Price Model 

 Tourism Service Model 3: Lowest Price Local Life Experience Model 

Tourism Service Model 5: Rural Tourism Model

Tourism Service Model 6: Fully Customized Travel Model

Tourism Service Model 7: Assisted Guidance Model 

Avoid Paid Attractions Model

Avoid Paid Attractions Model refers to a city-based travel approach in which no paid attractions are included in the itinerary. The model is designed around a single city as the basic unit of planning, shifting the focus of travel from entering ticketed scenic sites to experiencing the city's public life as a whole. 

In practice, the itinerary is primarily built around freely accessible urban spaces, such as parks, public squares, night markets, local food streets, pedestrian commercial streets, general commercial areas, as well as free attractions and accessible surrounding areas within and around the city. 

Unlike traditional travel models that center on paid attractions, this approach completely excludes ticketed scenic spots. Instead, it focuses the trip on the overall urban experience while maintaining richness and diversity, as well as a more flexible and cost-controlled travel structure.

Next, we will further introduce the service process and operational details of the Avoid Paid Attractions Model.

Passport Application

After confirming the intention to travel, the first step is to complete the application or verification of a passport. A passport is the most fundamental and essential document for international travel, used for immigration clearance, identity verification, and subsequent visa applications. For first-time international travelers, this is the very first step that must be completed in the entire process.

If applying for a passport for the first time, applicants are generally required to visit the immigration or passport issuing authority in their country or place of residence to submit an application. Typically, this involves presenting a valid original government-issued identification document (such as a national ID card or other officially recognized identity document, subject to local requirements). The on-site process usually includes completing an application form, submitting required materials, and providing biometric data such as photographs and fingerprints. Once submitted, the passport will enter the review and production process, and the processing time varies depending on the region.

For those who already hold a passport, it is necessary to carefully check two key points: first, whether the passport's validity covers the entire travel period and return date; second, whether the passport information is clear, complete, and free from any damage that may affect its usability.

The purpose of this step is to ensure that all travelers possess a valid and usable international travel document before departure, thereby providing a solid foundation for subsequent itinerary planning, visa application, and the overall travel process.

Itinerary Confirmation

After the passport is prepared or in progress, the next step is to enter the consultation and communication stage, where the travel plan is clarified and further arrangements are developed.

During the initial consultation, we collect basic information about the trip, including expected travel dates, length of stay, preferred cities, and number of travelers. At the same time, we further understand the client's needs based on their individual situation.

Based on this, we prepare a preliminary itinerary in line with the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model" and provide an explanation of the cost structure.

In terms of pricing, we offer a list of service options from which clients can make selections according to their needs. This approach helps control the overall budget, while also taking into account that, with current technologies (such as digital tools or AI assistance), some tasks can be handled independently by the client.

We therefore provide and charge only for the services selected by the client. These mainly include itinerary planning, on-trip support (as the core service), emergency assistance, payment application setup support, network support services, as well as accommodation, transportation, and meal arrangements during the trip. Some of these services are optional, and clients may decide whether to include them.

For tasks that can be handled independently, clients may choose to manage them on their own, while we remain available to provide support if needed.

This model does not include attraction entrance fees. Combined with a pay-for-selected-services approach, it helps keep the overall budget structure clear and manageable.

During the planning and adjustment process, clients may modify the itinerary based on their needs, including travel dates, city selection, and length of stay. Once confirmed, a relatively clear travel plan and cost framework are established.

Visa Application

After the passport preparation is completed and the itinerary is initially confirmed, the next step is the visa application process. A visa is the official entry permit required to enter China, and it is reviewed and issued by the relevant embassy or consulate based on the applicant's travel purpose, itinerary, and personal information.

At this stage, we will identify the appropriate visa type according to the client's confirmed itinerary and provide a complete list of required documents along with step-by-step application instructions, helping clients complete the preparation process in an organized manner.

In general, a visa application requires documents such as the original passport, basic personal information, travel itinerary details, and proof of accommodation and transportation arrangements. In some cases, additional supporting documents—such as financial statements or proof of employment or student status—may also be required, depending on the specific requirements of the destination country and visa category.

During the preparation process, we assist clients in reviewing each document to ensure that all information is consistent and complete. For example, we check that the itinerary aligns with the information provided in the application form and that passport details are accurate, helping to reduce delays caused by inconsistencies or missing documents. We also provide brief explanations of the purpose of each document to help travelers better understand the role of each requirement.

Once all materials are prepared, the application will be submitted according to China's visa requirements through visa centers, embassies or designated online systems. In cases where appointments or in-person biometric collection are required, we will also provide advance guidance and assist with the necessary arrangements.

If the visa application is not approved, no service fees will be charged. You are welcome to consult with us with confidence.

Flight Booking

After the visa has been approved, or once it is reasonably certain that it will be approved, the next step is flight booking. In general, round-trip tickets are recommended, as they are often more cost-effective and are also more easily accepted during visa review and immigration inspection upon arrival.

Airfare usually represents a significant portion of the overall travel budget. In essence, it involves balancing time and cost. When selecting flights, it is recommended to consider factors such as departure time, transfer arrangements, total travel duration, and overall pricing, and make a choice within an acceptable range. Clients may decide based on their own schedule and budget. For those who wish to reduce costs, connecting flights or flights at different times of the day can be considered.

There is no need to worry about arriving late at night. China is highly safe around the clock, even during late hours. Upon arrival, you may choose our airport pick-up service or use public transportation such as taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses, which operate until the last flight of the day for convenient transfers.

If booking flights independently, it is important to carefully check all entered information, including name spelling and passport details, to ensure they exactly match the passport, in order to avoid any issues with boarding or subsequent travel.

If choosing our booking assistance service, we will, based on the confirmed travel dates, destination city, and specific requirements, help identify suitable flight options for client review and confirmation. The related service fees and airfare may be included in the overall cost structure, typically on a prepaid basis.

If choosing our booking assistance service, we will select suitable flight options based on the confirmed travel dates, destination city, and specific requirements for clients to review and confirm. Relevant service fees and airfare will be included in the total cost, and payment is generally required in advance.

In practice, a more common method is that only service fees are paid. Both parties will look up available flights and select the most suitable option, after which clients will book the air tickets independently.This is mainly due to information gaps from different booking channels, which may lead to relatively high airfares. Therefore, clients can sometimes reduce overall costs by paying a small service fee for our assistance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance provides fundamental protection throughout your trip against unexpected emergencies. You should never rely on luck. In case of any accident, travellers without insurance will have to bear high medical and related expenses on their own. Therefore, we require all clients to purchase travel insurance.

Common travel insurance coverage includes accidental death and disability, medical expenses resulting from accidents and sudden illnesses (including outpatient and inpatient care), 24-hour worldwide emergency support, compensation for flight delays and cancellations, trip cancellation and interruption, lost baggage coverage, as well as protection for high-risk activities such as diving, skiing, hiking and surfing. You may choose and purchase suitable insurance coverage as needed.

It is recommended that the insurance period covers your entire journey including departure and return trips, or extends for one to two additional days to ensure comprehensive protection at all stages of travel.

Clients may purchase travel insurance independently, or entrust us with the arrangement for a corresponding service fee. If you choose our assistance, we will select and present suitable insurance plans based on your confirmed travel dates and duration of stay.

After the insurance is purchased, it is advised to print the policy document, and keep both electronic copies and relevant information for convenient access whenever necessary.

Packing Preparation

Once your flight booking is confirmed, you can start preparing your luggage. Proper packing arrangements will greatly reduce inconveniences during your trip. You are advised to follow the principle of necessity and practicality, packing only essential items to avoid unnecessary burdens.

You may prepare your belongings in reference to the following checklist: passport and visa documents, flight tickets and travel confirmation documents, clothing suitable for local climate, daily medications and personal essentials, electronic devices including mobile phones and chargers, as well as a small amount of cash and commonly used payment methods.

All important documents, such as your passport, visa, flight details, and insurance policy, should be kept in your carry-on and stored together for easy access. It is also recommended that you keep electronic copies on your mobile device or cloud storage for emergency use in case of loss.

When preparing clothes, you may make arrangements based on your travel duration and local weather conditions. We will provide weather forecast information for your trip. Please note that weather forecasts are estimations and may not be entirely accurate, so you may arrange your luggage accordingly.

There is no need to prepare enough clothes for your entire journey. It is preferable to bring sufficient clothing from home to avoid extra expenses. In cases of baggage delay, sudden weather changes or other unexpected situations, clothing at various price ranges is easily accessible for purchase in cities across China.

As for daily necessities, please prepare your regular medications and personal items. You are also advised to check that your mobile phone, charging devices and power adapters function properly.

In addition, please pay attention to airline restrictions on luggage weight and size to avoid extra excess baggage fees. It is also necessary to understand regulations regarding carry-on and checked baggage, including rules on liquids, electronic devices and other restricted items, to ensure smooth security clearance. If you are not sure whether the items can be carried, you can consult us at any time.

Visitors travelling to China for the first time are advised to carry some cash and basic payment methods as a backup.

Mobile Payment Setup

It is recommended that you download WeChat Pay and Alipay in advance and get familiar with their basic functions. Upon your arrival in China, these two apps are the most commonly used mobile payment tools and are accepted in most daily scenarios. This is also an experience many visitors look forward to.

Beyond payment services, both applications provide a wide range of practical functions, including social messaging, map navigation, ride-hailing, food delivery, metro services, and other daily life services. You can explore and get familiar with these functions before you arrive in China, and use them as needed during your trip. We will also show you how to operate them after you arrive, so there is no need to worry even if you are not very familiar with it for the time being.

It should be noted that the payment functions cannot be activated before you enter China. According to local regulations, enabling payment services requires identity verification, during which you will need to submit your passport information and validate your entry record to complete full activation. You do not need to worry about the operation process, as we will guide you through every step after you land.

In most cities across China, mobile payment has become the mainstream method of transaction. Although cash is still accepted, many merchants do not keep sufficient small change, which may cause inconvenience for cash payments. Preparing these apps beforehand will greatly facilitate your daily expenses throughout the trip.

Boarding & Departure

On your departure day, you may head to the airport for your trip. Before leaving, please double-check that you have all essential documents with you, including your passport, visa, flight tickets and travel insurance, to ensure smooth check-in and entry procedures.

You may update us on your departure via message or email in advance. This allows us to track your travel schedule and make proper arrangements for airport pick-up and follow-up services.

Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to your airline's check-in counter or self-service kiosk to complete check-in and baggage drop-off. Present your passport and flight documents, and confirm your luggage is correctly tagged and checked in.

After check-in, go through airport security screening. Please take out portable electronic devices, power banks and liquid items separately as required, and cooperate with staff to finish the security check.

Once cleared for security, head to the designated boarding gate shown on your boarding pass and wait for boarding. We recommend staying near the gate and keeping an eye on airport announcements and electronic displays for any last-minute changes to gates or departure times.

When boarding begins, follow staff instructions and present your passport and boarding pass to board the aircraft. After entering the cabin, take your assigned seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Once settled, you may then await takeoff for your flight to China.

Entry Procedures

After your flight lands, you will need to fill out an arrival card. Almost international airports across China provide self-service machines for you to complete and print the form. Simply follow the on-screen prompts to fill in your name, passport details, flight number, address in China and other required information, then print the card and sign it. This method is recommended as no mobile data or internet connection is needed.

Once finished, proceed to the nearby biometric kiosk to complete fingerprint and facial recognition registration. This is a standard entry procedure solely for identity verification and immigration records, so there is no need to worry.

Next, join the queue at the border control checkpoint for immigration clearance. Present your passport and signed arrival card to the officers, and cooperate with their inspection. You may be asked a few simple questions regarding your purpose of visit, length of stay and accommodation arrangements. Simply provide honest answers for a smooth clearance. Once your inspection is completed and approved, a Chinese entry stamp will be placed in your passport.

You may then head to the Baggage Claim area to collect your luggage. Afterwards, proceed to the customs inspection zone. If you have no dutiable or restricted items, please use the "Nothing to Declare" channel. If you carry goods that require declaration, enter the "Goods to Declare" channel and complete the customs inspection as required. Once all procedures are done, you may exit the airport.

Airport Transfer Service

You may book airport pick-up or drop-off service separately as needed, and the two services are independent of each other.

If you choose our pick-up service, we will wait for you at the airport according to your flight schedule and offer on-time service no matter how late you arrive. We can also arrange drop-off service if required, to escort you to the airport smoothly.

There is no need to worry even if you do not take our transfer services. China has a highly complete transportation system. Taxis, ride-hailing vehicles and airport buses are available to and from the airport at any time. In the daytime, you can also take subways and city buses for more travel options.

When it is time for your return departure, you may have gained a certain understanding of local transportation. Many travelers prefer to head to the airport on their own, and we fully understand and respect your choice. Meanwhile, our dedicated drop-off service is still available for you to choose based on your own needs.

In terms of cost, our pick-up and drop-off services are relatively affordable. You may compare rates on ride-hailing and map navigation apps, or check with AI tools to clearly see the difference between our fees and market prices.This makes our services a favorable option.

Whether you choose airport pick-up or drop-off services or not, we fully respect your decision. The services we want to provide from beginning to end are truly what our customers need.

Accommodation Arrangements

Under the Avoid Paid Attractions Model, you may choose either our directly supplied accommodation or standard hotels. Our in-house lodging is comparatively more budget-friendly.

The reason why we offer direct accommodation is that we take into account that our target group is all people with ordinary income. Their travel expenses are limited. By cutting down on lodging expenses, travelers can allocate more budget to other parts of the trip such as food, short trips, and unique experiences, enriching their travel experience or extending their stay. For many visitors, a trip to China may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

China is an expansive country with countless attractions and diverse local cultures. It is impossible to experience all its highlights in a single visit, so some regrets are inevitable. What we strive to do is make every effort to maximize your travel experience within a limited trip.

At the same time, the choice of accommodation is completely voluntary. We will not make mandatory arrangements and fully respect the independent right of choice of our customers. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can also choose freely.

The above only illustrates our pricing strengths. Beyond cost advantages, our direct accommodation comes with additional unique benefits. First, the homely style is perfectly suitable for family trips or group travel with friends. Second, it is full of the flavor of local life, which is distinctly different from the standardized hotels. Third, it delivers a more relaxing and independent stay with greater freedom.

Most travel agencies in the market generally choose to cooperate with hotels to obtain preferential discounts through long-term cooperation. However, this model has obvious drawbacks.  On the one hand, the overall pricing of cooperative hotels is still much higher than that of our directly supplied accommodation; On the other hand, the supply of hotel rooms is greatly affected by peak and off-seasons, making it impossible to guarantee a stable supply for a long time. During holidays, peak travel seasons, or special periods such as large-scale local events, rooms are often in short supply. Even if they can be booked normally, the price will rise sharply due to tight supply and demand.

If we simply copy the conventional hotel cooperation model, the travel quotation will not be stable and the legitimate interests of customers will be difficult to guarantee. Frequent fluctuations in travel costs will also affect the travel experience. Therefore, we choose not to cooperate with third-party hotels and provide directly supplied accommodation, retaining flexible two-way choice space for customers.

Of Course, hotels do have their own positioning and advantages. Hotels focus on commercialized and standardized services, targeting high-net-worth groups, which is essentially different from our positioning of focusing on serving people with ordinary incomes.

Arrangements for Internet Access

After entering China, especially after settling in your accommodation, accessing the internet often becomes an urgent need for many travelers—whether it is to contact family or use social media. Below are our specific arrangements for internet access.

If you choose our airport transfer service, we will provide portable WiFi at the airport to ensure you have basic network access immediately after landing. If you do not choose this service, there is no need to rush to purchase a local SIM card at the airport, as you will generally not need to use a local phone number frequently. If you need to pay for transportation from the airport to your accommodation, we recommend preparing a small amount of RMB in advance—usually 200–300 RMB is sufficient to cover basic needs.

From this perspective, choosing our pickup and drop-off services offers an obvious advantage: it saves you the trouble of exchanging currency.

If you need to log in to your personal social media accounts, a VPN is generally required for access. This third-party service may incur fees. You may make your own arrangements before departure, or we can assist you with setup upon your arrival.

For daily internet access, free Wi-Fi is available at our designated accommodations and hotels. During outings, you may use our portable WiFi device. These options will fully meet your daily needs for navigation, communication and information searches.

For calls and text messages, you can activate a basic international roaming plan for your mobile phone number, primarily to receive verification codes or make emergency calls when needed.

Overall, we believe such network arrangements are sufficient and budget-friendly, catering to all your internet and communication needs during your stay in China.

Itinerary Arrangement

At this stage, the itinerary is about to enter the official execution phase of the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model".

This model takes a single city as its basic planning unit. In practice, it does not include visits to paid attractions within the city's surrounding areas, but instead focuses on the city itself.

The itinerary is mainly designed around various free and open urban spaces, such as free attractions, streets, parks, public squares, night markets, food (snack) streets, shopping centers, malls, pedestrian streets, local markets, supermarkets, historical and cultural areas, modern urban districts and other popular local venues. These places themselves form a complete and diverse travel experience.

The everyday living environments within a city — such as streets, parks, squares, night markets, food areas, and various commercial spaces — are an essential part of the travel experience. In many cases, these elements offer a closer reflection of the city's real character.

This model will not diminish your travel quality. While skipping paid scenic spots, it shifts the focus from ticketed attractions to the overall city vibe, delivering an immersive travel experience rooted in local daily life.

Therefore, this approach does not compromise the travel experience. Instead, while excluding ticketed attractions, it shifts the focus from paid sites to the city as a whole, allowing the trip to unfold through a more authentic, everyday perspective.

On this basis, in terms of itinerary planning, we organize each day into structured segments based on travel duration, length of stay, and the characteristics of the city. Different types of urban spaces are arranged within appropriate time periods—for example, streets, parks, or cultural areas during the day, and night markets or food streets in the evening, where local life is more active. Overall, the itinerary is experience-oriented, ensuring high feasibility and a well-paced, relaxed journey.

Transportation Arrangement

Under the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model," transportation within the itinerary primarily relies on the city’s public transit system, including metro, buses, shared bikes, shared e-scooters, ride-hailing services, taxis, and autonomous ride-hailing vehicles. For shorter distances, walking may also be incorporated. In cases where destinations are farther away or when public transport is no longer available due to time constraints, company-operated vehicles will be arranged as a supplement.

In some major cities, there may also be opportunities to experience alternative modes of transport, such as low-altitude urban mobility. These options themselves can offer a different kind of travel experience compared to conventional transportation.

From a travel perspective, understanding and using local transportation is an important part of getting to know a city. As cities vary in size, structure, and transport systems, it is not practical to apply a single standardized approach. Arrangements are therefore made flexibly based on the specific city, with convenience as the primary consideration.

If you have specific preferences regarding transportation, you are welcome to discuss them with us. Where conditions allow, and if you are willing to cover any additional costs involved, arrangements can be adjusted accordingly.

Dining Arrangements

Under the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model," dining arrangements will be planned in coordination with the overall itinerary. At mealtimes, we usually choose local delicacies with local characteristics nearby based on the area we are in at that time.

It should be noted that we do not maintain fixed partnerships with any restaurants. All dining choices remain open and independent, and every arrangement is fully verifiable. For instance, if you wish to switch restaurants, adjustments can be made freely within the agreed budget, including last-minute changes.

In actual arrangements, we will take your taste preferences into full consideration when selecting dining options. While experiencing local cuisine is a natural part of traveling, it is not enforced, and choices are balanced based on your comfort and preferences.

In addition to regular meals, the itinerary may also include diverse dining options such as breakfast items, street food, late-night snacks, fast food, small local dishes, home-style meals, as well as various refreshments, drinks, noodles, and barbecue.The range of options is quite broad, and meals are not limited to standard sit-down dining, allowing for flexibility based on the pace of the itinerary and your preferences.

If you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or are taking specific medications, please inform us in advance. This allows us to make proper arrangements and avoid any unsuitable food options throughout the trip.

Return Transfer

At the end of the trip, if needed, you may discuss with us in advance to arrange a farewell dinner. Where conditions allow, we can also prepare certain dishes based on your preferences and organize a small, relaxed gathering as a simple send-off.

Regarding transportation to the airport, if you choose our return transfer service, we will arrange to take you to the airport on the day of departure according to your flight schedule. If you prefer not to use this service, you may also travel to the airport on your own by bus, metro, ride-hailing service, or other available options. This choice is entirely up to you.

In practice, many clients become familiar with local transportation after a few days of travel,  so declining the airport transfer service is a frequent choice. No fees will be charged if you do not book this service.

We are not reducing or withdrawing services, but rather leaving the choice to our clients. Our core services focus on support during the trip itself, while services before the trip begins or after it ends remain optional and can be selected based on your actual needs.

Souvenir Shipping

During the trip, if you purchase souvenirs in small quantities, they can usually be carried back with you in your personal or checked luggage. If the quantity is large, you may choose to entrust us with shipping them on your behalf.

For example, if you are bringing items back for family, friends, or colleagues and the volume is significant, making them inconvenient to carry, you may opt for this service. We can assist with packing and arranging shipment based on the actual situation, and the related costs will be calculated according to the quantity and shipping method.

Please note that items restricted or prohibited by customs regulations cannot be shipped through this service. Specific limitations will be subject to the relevant regulations.

Final Notes

The core of the "Avoid Paid Attractions Model" is to reduce the budget occupation caused by entrance fees, shifting the focus of the trip from ticketed attractions to the city as a whole, thereby creating a complete travel experience.

Should you have any questions regarding the service process or specific details of this model, feel free to contact us at any time. We also welcome your feedback on any missing or supplementary information in this overview. If you already have target cities in mind, you may reach out to us for itinerary planning and cost inquiries.

As a travel service provider focused on people with ordinary incomes, TtoC aims to make traveling in China more accessible and affordable for this group. We provide only the services that are truly needed, while maintaining a wide range of choices, allowing customers to make arrangements according to their own situations, so that customers can complete their travel within their own budget.