China received an estimated 124 million inbound tourists in 2006, which has made it the fourth largest inbound travel country in the world, and sixth in total tourism foreign exchange income.

Inbound travel has become the largest international service trade in China and it is continuing to grow. The development of inbound travel has brought along the development of hotels, scenic spots, travel shopping, and improved the construction of basic facilities for traffic and communication. It also increased the national foreign exchange income and promoted the achievement of the modernization in China.

The China National Tourism Administration believes that as one of the most active inbound travel markets of the world, China's inbound travel service must be increased, especially during the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo and after these events.