The number of Japanese tourists visiting China in 2006 was up nine percent on the previous year.

 

According to statistics released by the China National Tourism Administration, around 3.08 million Japanese toured China from January to October last year.

 

The administration estimated the figure for the whole year at 3.7 million and attributed the rise to improved relations between the two countries and the continued recovery of the Japanese economy.

 

The Republic of Korea (ROK) remains the biggest source of foreign tourists for China, with 3.26 million of its citizens visiting China during the first 10 months of 2006.

 

Inbound tourists from the ROK and Japan reached 3.55 million and 3.39 million respectively in 2005.

 

China saw more than 22.21 million inbound travelers from foreign countries in 2006, up 9.65 percent.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2007)