Given that China has the most people on the planet and the fastest-growing economy, it makes sense that it is a sought-after travel destination for travellers from all over the world. The Chinese government has taken significant steps in recent years to improve the visitor experience by making the nation friendlier and more receptive to tourists.

One such endeavour is the 72-hour visa-free transit rule, which permits visitors from specific nations to enter China without a visa and remain there for up to three days. Since its implementation in 2013, there has reportedly been a 40% increase in short-term tourists to China, demonstrating the enormous success of this programme.

Another illustration is the "China Welcome" campaign, which was started in 2014 to promote Chinese hospitality and culture. More than 10,000 "China Welcome" ambassadors have been trained as part of this initiative in fundamental English and customer service skills, and they are now posted at airports, train stations, and other well-known tourist locations to assist and enlighten visitors.

What does all of this mean for travellers considering a trip to China, then? In essence, it indicates that China is becoming into a more hospitable and enjoyable destination. Of course, there are still some areas where progress could be made (for instance, some regions of the nation have pretty poor English-language signs), but overall, there is a clear trend towards a more tourist-friendly China.