In an age of virtual factory tours, live video inspections, and AI-powered quality control, many importers are asking:
Is it still necessary to get on a plane to visit a Chinese factory in 2025?
At Eurasia Consultis, we work with European buyers every day who are weighing this very decision. While on-site visits can bring unmatched visibility, they’re no longer the only way to validate a supplier.
In this article, we’ll explore the real benefits and limitations of in-person factory visits today—and when it makes sense to skip the flight.
The Pros: Why Visiting a Factory Still Matters
1. See the Real Operation—Not Just the Showroom
Many factories in China invest heavily in polished showrooms, but what really matters is what’s happening on the shop floor.
By visiting in person, you can observe:
- Production lines in operation
- Employee working conditions
- Storage and logistics capacity
- Quality control processes in real time
In-person visits allow you to catch red flags early, before production starts.
2. Build Trust and Relationships
In China, business is personal. Meeting face-to-face shows commitment and seriousness, which often leads to:
- Better payment terms
- Faster response times
- Priority during busy seasons
At Eurasia Consultis, we’ve seen firsthand how a factory visit often results in stronger cooperation and smoother problem-solving.
3. Verify Claims and Certifications
Some suppliers overstate their capabilities—or are simply trading companies, not manufacturers. An on-site visit helps confirm:
- Who actually owns the machines
- Whether ISO, BSCI, or Sedex audits are real
- If your products are made in-house or outsourced
For high-risk categories (e.g. electronics, PPE, food contact goods), factory visits remain an important step in risk mitigation.
The Cons: Why a Visit Might Not Be Necessary in 2025
1. Rising Costs and Travel Restrictions
Travel to China is more expensive and time-consuming in 2025. Between visa applications, COVID-related policies, and rising flight costs, the ROI of a short trip isn’t always clear—especially for smaller orders.
2. Reliable Remote Alternatives Exist
With the rise of:
- Live factory video tours
- Third-party audits and inspections
- 360° virtual walkthroughs
- Daily QC photo reports
…you can now verify production progress remotely with surprising accuracy.
At Eurasia Consultis, we offer real-time factory visit reporting—so clients stay in control without needing to travel.
3. Not All Visits Lead to Better Outcomes
Some suppliers may treat foreign visits as a show—temporarily improving conditions to impress buyers. If you don’t know what to look for, a visit can provide false reassurance.
Tip: Bring a local sourcing agent or QC expert with you to interpret what’s really happening behind the scenes.
When Should You Still Visit a Chinese Factory?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
| New supplier for large-volume product | Visit highly recommended |
| First order in a sensitive category | Visit or third-party audit |
| Ongoing orders from a long-time supplier | Remote inspection may suffice |
| Tight budget or short lead time | Use a trusted local QC team |
Final Thoughts: The Visit Is Optional—Visibility Is Not
In 2025, factory visits remain valuable—but no longer essential for every importer. The key is to maintain visibility, whether in person or through structured remote audits.
At Eurasia Consultis, we help European brands strike the right balance. Whether you’re traveling to China or staying local, we ensure:
- Transparent factory vetting
- Reliable, bilingual QC reporting
- Strategic sourcing support from RFQ to delivery
Want to assess whether a visit is worth it for your project? Contact us at Eurasia Consultis for a tailored sourcing strategy.