Contributed by Eyanie Bennett.
China’s land area in sq. km: approximately 9,706,961. Source: Worldometer via Google Search.
This makes China the 3rd largest country by area, behind Russia & Canada respectively.
China: A Modern-Day Tourism Powerhouse
Today, we’re breaking down why China isn’t just a country with architecture that preserve it’s rich, ancient history. Oh no, we’re exposing your mind into all the major attributes, that position China as a modern-day, tourism magnet powerhouse.
Take this into consideration:
Before the world hit pause in 2020, China was consistently ranking among the top five most visited countries on the planet. In 2024 alone, over 65.7 million international tourists touched down in China, ranking it as the #4 most visited country; behind only France, Spain & the USA.
Most Visited Countries in the World-Middle East Economy; Accessed: 1/6/2025
Why are people flying halfway around the globe to visit & explore China?
Simple.
China is big, bold, and full of variety.
From ancient wonders like the Great Wall of China, to ultra-modern skylines of the city, Shanghai. And for the environment & fitness lovers like us, China’s 5 climatic zones, combined with it’s climate controlled landscapes, positions the whole of China, as an exploratory playground, that can take years to complete. Landscapes you could see & experience include:
- Mountain hikes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Martial arts parks, such as Chinwoomen·Chinese Martial Arts Park (Tianjin).
- Wellness spas, such as Amanyangyun Spa & Wellness Centre.
- Local public Outdoor Gyms.
Additionally, you can train with Shaolin monks, soak your stress away in natural hot springs, or hike sacred mountains like Huangshan or Emei.
Tourism in China isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s experiential
China: Culturally Rich & Geologically Strong
If you’re drawn to cultural experiences, take in these gems of China:
• The Great Wall of China: at over 21,000km in length, the Great Wall of China, stretches longer than Jamaica, Cuba, Dominica Republic, and The Bahamas, combined.
• The Terracotta Army Museum in Shaanxi, China is one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds.
- Chengdu’s Panda Research Center too cute to skip.
China isn’t just culturally rich, it’s geologically strong, as well. “The North China Craton (NCC) preserves the possibly oldest sedimentary rocks of China.” Liou, et.al; 2023; Volume 247. These rocks are estimated at over 1 billion years old. As stated in Google Search, China is rich in geological gems including sapphire, ruby, emerald & diamond.
Revenue China Earns From Tourism Likely Linked to its Firm Grasp on It’s History
With millions of visitors annually, China rakes in serious income. In 2019, China earned over $131 billion US
dollars from international tourism alone. Tourism 2019-China Daily; Accessed June 1, 2025
That’s hotels, flights, cultural sites, tours, and wellness experiences. Every year, China’s Tourism numbers gets closer to what countries like France, Spain and the U.S. produce.
What is a likely reason for China now giving these global tourism leaders of the west, a serious run for their money?
Travel, and the experiences that are associated with it, isn’t just about money—it’s about connection. And china, through it’s firm grasp of and reference to it’s rich history, is doing very well in this area.
For us members of the Caribbean, and diaspora in extension, travelling to & exploring countries of the east like China, demonstrates the interconnectedness of our world; and will surely add value in the form of appreciation through cultural exchange, linkages, among others.
The Caribbean spirit is global. We vibe anywhere. Whether you’re from Kingston, Port of Spain, Bridgetown or Castries, we’re sure to make a positively lasting impression, that’ll serve as a magnet, and a positive boost for tourism within the Caribbean.
Watch: Travel World-Australia & South Africa
Summary of Why China is A Major Travel Destination
So, why you should visit China?
Because it’s where tradition meets transformation, through geology, to culture. It’s global. It’s
challenging. And it proves that the lifestyle of fitness, curiosity, and culture sensitivity, can take you anywhere.
Total Stats Recap:
• 65.7 million tourists in 2024
• $40 billion+ annual revenue from tourism
• Top visitors: South Korea, US, Japan, Russia, Thailand
• Major attractions: Great Wall, Shanghai, Terracotta Army, Giant Pandas, Buddhist
temples…
