Q: The World Tourist Organization appraised China as the
best global tourist destination in 2004. What are the reasons for
this appraisal? In what ways is China attractive to foreign
tourists?
A: The title of best global tourist destination was awarded to
China mainly based on the features of its tourism products as well
as the number of tourists visiting the country. Statistics show
that in 2004, China received 109 million tourists and US$25.74
billion in foreign exchange income from tourists, respective
increases of 19 and 47.9 percent. The number of international
tourists China received exceeded other Asian countries and the pace
of tourism development is beyond people's expectation.
For foreign tourists, China is an ancient country full of
mysterious character and color, which is attractive to them in many
aspects. There are four main reasons for China's success in
tourism:
First, China is rich in tourist resources. There are famous
mountains and great rivers, scenic spots and historical sites
scattered all over the country, as well as colorful and varied folk
customs, grand ancient architecture, and peculiar animals and
plants. Numerous natural and cultural heritage sites shine with the
wisdom and diligence of the ancient Chinese people. Tourists can
appreciate and explore the country's ancient civilization from
exceptional scenic spots, including the spectacular Great Wall, the
grand museum of Emperor Qin's terra-cotta warriors and horses,
beautiful landscapes in Guilin, the mysterious Forbidden City, and
many more places.
Second, there are 55 ethnic minority groups in China with
colorful ethnic customs, such as Mongolian's Naadam, Dai's
Water-Splashing Festival, Yi's Torch Festival, Tibetan New Year and
Shoton Festival, Hui and Uygur's Festival of Fastbreaking and
Corban Festival. Tourists can take part in these activities to gain
a deeper understanding of China's local conditions and customs.
Third, the Chinese people, with exquisite handcraft, have made
various types of tourist products with traditional characteristics.
Items include the famous silk cloth, embroidery, pottery,
sculptures, ink stones, tea, wine as well as Chinese calligraphy
and painting. These products are art, and while special, they are
also practical, hence their popularity with foreign tourists.
Fourth, Chinese cuisine is of long-standing fame. Food in China
contains rich cultural connotations and technical elements, and
style varies among different regions and ethnicities. Over many
years, four main cuisines have developed in China: Cantonese,
Sichuan, Huaiyang and Shandong. As well, various local dishes, such
as Peking duck, have become well known and popular among
foreigners.
However, while China is a rising tourist destination, there is
no denying that it still lags far behind other tourist countries in
terms of tourism-related facilities, services and infrastructure.
There is still a long way to go before China becomes a veritable
world's best tourism destination.
Tourism in China has maintained a
faster-than-expected growth in the past 10 years. Pictured are
foreign tourists in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region.
