Cultural Immersion
Our Story & Heritage
A Travel Legacy Originating in 1949
The China Travel Service (CTS) was founded in November 1949 as New China’s first travel agency, originally named the “Overseas Chinese Travel Service.” In 1974, following a proposal by Premier Zhou Enlai, it adopted the name “China Travel Service Headquarters” while retaining its original title.Over five decades of pioneering development, CTS achieved numerous industry firsts: it was the first to host foreign tourists, the first to receive compatriots from Taiwan, the first to operate “Hong Kong and Macau Tours” for mainland citizens, and the first to pilot travel to Southeast Asia for Chinese citizens. Its innovative products have become iconic brands within the industry.
The “CTS” brand has been recognized as a “Famous Trademark” in China and uniquely honored twice (2002 & 2004) with the “China’s Best Outbound Travel Agency” award by Travel Weekly, cementing its status as a deeply trusted national brand. The headquarters has grown into a comprehensive international travel service group handling inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism, and holds memberships in authoritative organizations such as the China Association of Travel Services and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
SCTS – The Flagship in Southwest China
Sichuan China Travel Service (SCTS) stands as the key flagship of this esteemed travel group in Southwest China. Since our establishment on May 7, 1987, we have carried forward the brand reputation, professional standards, and global network of CTS.Originally under the provincial foreign affairs system, SCTS was transferred in December 2021 as part of Sichuan’s state-owned enterprise reform to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sichuan Energy Investment Group. This transition has infused new vitality into our operations, and backed by the robust resources of the Energy Investment Group, we are embarking on a new chapter of integrated development.
As a standing council member of both the China Travel Service Group and the National Travel Association, and a vice-president unit of the Sichuan Province and Chengdu Travel Associations, we serve a dual role: we are both the premier local extension of a national brand and a core driving force in the regional tourism industry.
Our Scale & Commitment
Building on this legacy, we have established a solid operational foundation. Our company boasts a professional team of guides and tour leaders proficient in languages including English, Japanese, German, French, and Thai, as well as various Chinese dialects. We host over 320,000 Chinese and international travelers annually, with annual revenue reaching 3 billion RMB.The trust placed in us stems from our meticulous attention to every detail—from our fully deposited Quality Guarantee Fund to our comprehensive travel services covering dining, accommodation, transportation, touring, shopping, and entertainment, as well as professional assistance with visas and ticketing. We are dedicated to translating the credibility of a national brand into a reliable and thoughtful travel experience right by your side.
