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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.