China is expecting more than 137 million tourists to visit the country this year, a 2.5 percent increase from last year. Following the drop of overseas tourists since 2011, this year will mark the second year of growth for inflowing tourism.

Furthermore, the influx of foreign tourists is predicted to generate revenue at $121 billion, a 6.5 percent increase. The is according to the development goal of 2016 set by the National Tourism Administration during its annual conference on January 29.

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Even China Tourism Academy verified the trend and is forecasting that over 138 million foreign tourists will pay a visit to China.

The deputy head of the administration Li Shihong claims that among the cities that will play significant roles in captivating tourists are second- and third-tier cities including small towns like Zhejiang province's Wuzhen, Hunan province's Yueyang and Jiangsu province's Tongli.

According to Li, these cities and towns carry China's unique and symbolic culture, splendid tourists' spots, and preserve the nation's legacy and history in their day to day lives compared with that of high-end cities. "All those are attractive factors to frequent visitors in China," he said. Furthermore, the installment of high-speed railway network that makes small towns more accessible plays a great timing for attracting more inbound foreign tourists.

This plan is in line with China's commitment to expand the tourism industry. National Tourism Administration head Li Jinzao earlier revealed that investment will increase to 20 percent from 2015 to 1.2 trillion yuan ($180 billion). He further predicts that local Chinese tourists will make more than 4 billion domestic trips this year, while both inbound and outbound tourists at 260 million in total.

Most of China's visitors come from nearby nations, including Japan and South Korea, and developed countries such as the USA and Russia. A rise in the number of Indian and Vietnamese tourists has also been noted.

Tagschina, tourism, foreign tourist, China National Tourism Administration