Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency, recently released a ranking of visa application based on countries. Ctrip received surging numbers of visa applications from Chinese tourists in the first half of the year. Thailand, Singapore and South Korea were the top three countries visited.

The data shows that the places not more than three to four hours from China by air are Chinese people's preferences. There are increasing needs for in-depth tours and multiple tours. Benefitting from visa policies and the booming student export market, the United States, Australia and Canada are also among the top 10 list.

It's worth mentioning that the number of visa applicants for Pakistan increased 37 times since January, becoming the biggest "dark horse" this year.

The following are the top 10 countries for visa applications of Chinese tourists.

 Philippines

Philippines [File photo]