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China Tourism
Between 1949 and 1974, the People's Republic was closed to all
but selected foreign visitors. Beginning in the late 1970s, when
the leadership decided to promote tourism vigorously as a means of
earning foreign exchange, China quickly developed its own tourist
industry. Major hotel construction programs greatly increased the
number of hotels and guest houses, more historic and scenic spots
were renovated and opened to tourists, and professional guides and
other service personnel were trained. The expansion of domestic and
international airline traffic and other tourist transportation
facilities made travel more convenient. Over 250 cities and
counties were opened to foreign visitors by the mid-1980s.
Travelers needed only valid visas or residence permits to visit 100
locations; the remaining locales required travel permits from
public security departments. In 1985 approximately 1.4 million
foreigners visited China, and nearly US$1.3 billion was earned from
tourism.
Data as of July 1987
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