The Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) toured China in June/July 2014, culminating in a gala concert at Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts.

SSO tours over the last three years have been supported by the Australia-China Council, the Australia International Cultural Council and the Australian Embassy.

The SSO's strategic and long-term approach to China, involving partnering with musical institutions and performance venues, outreach via music workshops, and researching what Chinese audiences like to engage with, has become a model for other prospective touring companies. They strongly believe that the use of culture enhances Australia's economic and diplomatic ties with China.

This year's itinerary included touring to Jinan, Xi'an, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. According to SSO Chief Conductor David Robertson, the acoustics in the new concert halls rival those of the Sydney Opera House.

"We held eight concerts in 12 days in seven cities," Mr Robertson said.

"Besides performing at concerts, our musicians participated in workshops at the conservatories of music in Beijing and Guangzhou."

The program included a work commissioned for the tour, Sound Lur and Serpent by Australian composer Andrew Schultz.

Overseas tours can contribute to developing relationships with sponsors as well as finding new audiences. One of SSO's long-term supporters, Australian philanthropist Ros Packer, joined the first half of the tour.

"We really love showing our supporters the inner workings of the orchestra and giving them a chance to meet the musicians," Mr Robertson said.

"Mrs Packer travelled with us to Shanghai, Jinan and Beijing and was at all of our concerts in these cities. The musicians enjoyed getting to know such a loyal and long-time supporter of the arts."

Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Justin Hayhurst said the SSO is a model of how to succeed in China.

"They are making a significant contribution to the rich cultural relationship between Australia and China. The SSO is developing deep, sustained, purposeful artistic collaboration and contributing to a strong and vibrant Australia-China relationship," Mr Hayhurst said.

SSO Managing Director Rory Jeffes said that the orchestra has been building real friendships in China over the last five years.

"China is such a huge market now; a full house for an Australian orchestra five years ago would have been unthinkable. Now the SSO can pack out one of their greatest arts centres."