According to a "tourism travel letter of intent" singed during the 20th session of U.S. -China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, in 12 new provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), Chinese travelers will be able to go to local tour agencies and travel in tour groups to America.

China National Tourism Bureau Shao Qiwei said tourism development between China and the U.S. is good. Total visits by the people of the two countries reached 2.6 million in 2008, but compared with the 1.5 billion combined population of the two countries, there is still enormous potential.

Statistics show that since the U.S. opened its doors to Chinese tourists group in June 2008, the number of Chinese tourists to the U.S. has amounted to over 700,000, boosting exchange between the two countries.