Milestones

Our Leadership

As Shanghai CITS advances toward becoming an internationally oriented and diversified corporate group, General Manager Wang Zheng plays a central leadership role. His studies in German at Shanghai International Studies University provided him with a global perspective and strong intercultural competence. Two years of hands-on experience as a tour guide at the operational level further shaped his deep understanding of tourism services and his keen insight into customer needs.

Following his successful development of the European market, Wang Zheng assumed early responsibility for its continued expansion. Together with his team, he strategically advanced operations in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Through high service standards and outstanding professionalism, Shanghai CITS established a clear leadership position in the region and achieved remarkable results. This period not only strengthened his expertise in market development, but also laid the foundation for his pragmatic leadership style, consistently guided by customer focus and market demand. He subsequently took overall responsibility for the company’s inbound business. With strategic foresight and a strong ability to integrate resources, he led this segment to significant growth and positioned it among the top three providers nationwide. The company was repeatedly recognized as one of the “Top Ten Inbound Tourism Enterprises in China,” further consolidating its standing as an industry benchmark.

At the core of Wang Zheng’s leadership is a commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial courage. He championed at an early stage a model combining strong local presence with international orientation and implemented the company’s internationalization strategy with determination. By establishing overseas local teams and founding international branches, he embedded the service network firmly within key source markets. In Europe’s core markets, this approach resulted in an efficient one-stop service network that significantly enhanced responsiveness and service quality.

At the product level, he initiated a strategic transformation that evolved the company from a “China travel specialist” into an “Asia travel specialist.” The product line “Discover the Orient,” launched under his leadership, expanded the focus from China to the broader Asian region and opened new growth opportunities for the inbound business.

With long-term vision, he also promoted the development of a diversified “Tourism Plus” ecosystem. By expanding overseas visa center operations, including five centers in Italy, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, new strategic pillars were established. This created a model in which tourism services and visa services reinforce and complement one another.

At the same time, he introduced new momentum into the domestic tourism sector. Guided by a resource-driven development approach, he initiated the premium cultural lecture series “Meet the Maestros,” combining cultural depth with exclusive and tailor-made travel experiences. In addition, distinctive formats such as chartered cruises, special trains, and charter flights were developed and positioned as high-end, limited edition travel products.

He has also leveraged tourism as a bridge for international people-to-people exchange, enhancing the social relevance and influence of the brand.

Under the leadership of Wang Zheng, Shanghai CITS continues to move forward with determination on its path toward becoming an internationally oriented, diversified, leading global tourism enterprise known for quality. Grounded in practical experience, guided by a global outlook, and driven by continuous innovation, he not only shapes the future development of Shanghai CITS but also makes a significant contribution to the international positioning of Chinese tourism brands.

A Message from the General Manager

Time passes swiftly. From our first determined steps on the streets of Shanghai to becoming a benchmark for travel services firmly rooted in Shanghai and recognized internationally, Shanghai CITS has always moved forward in step with the times. Whether during the early emergence of the market marked by bold pioneering efforts, amid rising expectations for quality with an unwavering focus on excellence, or in the proactive resurgence following the pandemic, we have remained true to our commitment. Over the decades, we have witnessed the transformation of travel while steadily laying the foundations for sustainable growth. Through professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, we have earned the recognition of the market.

We have consistently upheld a clear guiding principle: service at the core, quality in every detail, and innovation as the driving force. We regard service as the foundation of our enterprise. Every engagement and every journey is shaped by reliability and personal attention. We view attention to detail as the key to ensuring quality, from itinerary planning to post-trip follow-up, leaving no aspect that influences the travel experience unattended. We embrace innovation as the engine of our continued development by anticipating trends and creating new formats and models. These three principles guide our direction. They have enabled Shanghai CITS to remain stable and continue growing even amid market changes. At the same time, they have earned the trust of our clients and strengthened the long-term support of our partners. For many travelers today, our name stands for reliable and worry-free travel.

Looking ahead, we will continue to uphold this guiding philosophy. With dedication, expertise, and a spirit of innovation, we remain committed to delivering high-quality travel services and actively contributing to the ongoing advancement of the tourism industry.

Milestones

General Manager Wang Zheng

Since 2021

Vice President of the Inbound Tourism Committee of the China Association of Travel Services

Vice President of the Travel Agency Committee of the Shanghai Tourism Association

Vice President of the Jing’an District Tourism Association, Shanghai

Vice President of the Shanghai Association of Time-Honored Brands

Executive Director and General Manager of Shanghai CITS International Travel Service Co., Ltd.

General Manager Chen Aiguo

2004 to 2012

General Manager Cang Dingyu

2012 to 2021

In 2011, Shanghai CITS was awarded the title “China Time-Honored Brand” by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, becoming the only travel agency to receive this distinction.

In December 2012, Shanghai CITS was recognized by the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration as one of the first travel agencies to receive the 5A rating.

In October 2018, Shanghai CITS was honored by the China Association of Travel Services as one of the Top 10 Inbound Tourism Enterprises in China.

General Manager Chen Aiguo

2004 bis 2012

In 2001, Shanghai CITS became one of the first enterprises in China’s travel industry to obtain ISO 9001 international quality management certification.

In 2003, Shanghai CITS joined the Jin Jiang International Group and subsequently operated under the name Shanghai CITS International Travel Service Co., Ltd. As part of one of the country’s largest comprehensive tourism conglomerates, the company significantly strengthened its capabilities in product development, infrastructure, tourism reception resources, and overall operational capacity.

Jin Jiang International Group has total assets of RMB 18 billion and operates numerous star rated hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund and the Peace Hotel Shanghai. In the ranking of the world’s 300 largest hotel groups, the Group ranks second. Jin Jiang Automotive, a subsidiary of the Group, operates more than 10,000 buses and coaches across mid-range and premium segments.

General Manager Song Chaoqi

October 1991 to September 1998

General Manager He Chengming

October 1998 to May 2004

On 16 April 1992, the China National Tourism Administration approved the upgrade of the Shanghai Branch of CITS to a Category I travel agency, thereafter operating under the name “Shanghai CITS.”

On 1 April 1994, Jiang Zemin, then General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, inscribed the guiding principle for the 40th anniversary of Shanghai CITS: “Develop tourism, promote friendship, serve society, and invigorate the economy.”

On 28 September 1994, Shanghai CITS became the first enterprise in China’s travel industry to be restructured as a joint stock company, issuing B shares and listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

On 10 November 1994, Shanghai CITS was admitted as an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association, USTOA.

On 6 January 1995, Shanghai CITS became a member of the China Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, PATA.

On 31 January 1995, Shanghai CITS was admitted as a Full Member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, PATA.

On 1 March 1996, Shanghai CITS was accredited as an agent of the International Air Transport Association, IATA.

Director Chen Jiazhen

March 1981 to March 1984

Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Director of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office, as well as a member of its Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration.

General Manager Wang Rongqiong

March 1984 to June 1985

Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration.

General Manager Dao Shuming

June 1985 to October 1991

Concurrently served as Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Association of Professionals for Foreign Affairs Translation.

In October 1980, the Shanghai Branch of CITS was transformed from a public institution into an enterprise. Thereafter, it operated under an independent accounting system and assumed full responsibility for its own profits and losses.

On 20 March 1989, Jiang Zemin, then Party Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, inscribed for Shanghai CITS the guiding principle: “Make greater contributions to the development of tourism in Shanghai.”

Chairman Lin Deming

January 1971 to October 1978

Director Yang Dianbi

October 1978 to November 1979

Director Wang Li

November 1979 to March 1981

Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration.

In February 1972, the Shanghai Branch of CITS was involved in the official reception for US President Richard Nixon on his historic trip to China.

In September 1972, the Shanghai Branch of CITS was involved in the official reception for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka during his landmark visit to the city.

Director Xu Weishi

Early 1960 to November 1960

Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Government Affairs Administration Office.

Director Xuan Duo

November 1960 to December 1964

Director Wang Jue

January 1965 to January 1967

Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the East China Tourism Administration.

Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee Li Qi

September 1967 to October 1968

Persons in Charge Wang Shengwei, Luo Weiguo, Chen Guoxiong, Shen Junhao, Yuan Donglin

October 1968 to January 1971

In July 1964, the Shanghai Branch of CITS received the first Japanese Friendship Delegation to China organized by the Japan China Friendship Association.

Director Xuan Duo

July 1954 to Early 1960

Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the Liaison Office of the Shanghai Committee for the Reception of Foreign Guests.

On 27 July 1954, the People’s Government of Shanghai approved, in accordance with an instruction from the State Council, the establishment of the Shanghai Branch of the China International Travel Service. Shanghai CITS was thereby among the first three travel agencies founded after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and was the first travel agency established in Shanghai.

In July 1956, the Shanghai Municipal Government decided to incorporate the Jin Jiang Hotel and the Peace Hotel, both formerly under the Municipal Administration Office, as well as the official reception vehicle fleet previously under the Transportation Bureau, into the Shanghai Branch of CITS. As a result, the total number of employees increased to 731.