旅行社

• Pinyin: lǚ xíng shè
• Hanzi breakdown: 旅 = 方 (direction) + 从 (following), meaning to travel; 行 = a pictograph of a crossroads, meaning to walk or go; 社 = 礻(altar) + 土 (earth), meaning a community or organisation

Meaning

Travel agency. A company that arranges trips, tours, and travel services for customers.

The standard term for travel agencies. Though online booking has become dominant, 旅行社 remain popular in China for group tours (跟团游), visa services, and package holidays. Many people, especially older generations, still prefer booking through a 旅行社 for convenience and guided tours.

Examples

1. 他在一家旅行社工作。 He works at a travel agency.
2. 我们通过旅行社订了去云南的旅游。 We booked a trip to Yunnan through a travel agency.
3. 旅行社帮我们安排了所有的行程。 The travel agency arranged the entire itinerary for us.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, tourism, business

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你是自己安排还是找旅行社？(Are you arranging it yourself or going through a travel agency?)
• 这家旅行社的服务很好。(This travel agency's service is very good.)

Don't Say

• 我去旅行社旅行。(Don't say you travel to a travel agency — it's a service provider, not a destination. Say 我通过旅行社去旅行.)

Origin & History

旅行 means travel or trip; 社 means society, organisation, or company. Together: a travel organisation — a travel agency.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal