It's now even easier for British and Canadian citizens to travel to China, after Beijing's foreign ministry confirmed the start of visa-free entry for up to 30-day stays.

It follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official visit to China last month, where both countries agreed travel rules would be relaxed until the end of 2026.

Travel expert Simon Calder told CGTN how the changes may cause a jump in young travelers flocking to China. 

He says British and Canadian tourism in China has tended to be from older people on organized trips, but now that could all change – with an influx of fascinated younger sightseers.

"Backpacking in Asia has always been very popular," Calder said, but "the previous additional visa requirements for China simply meant that a lot of people have concentrated on maybe Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, particularly Thailand. 

"I think now we will see a vast amount of interest from younger independent travelers who tend to go for longer."

Calder says the major cities will be among the prime destinations, but travelers could also take the time to explore more of the country. 

"Initially we will see people go to the great cities – Beijing and in particular Shanghai, which is simply one of the greatest cities in the world," he said, before detailing several more potential destinations.

"Xi'an and the opportunities to see the terracotta warriors will absolutely be worth the extra time with flexibility that independent travelers have," he said. "There will be a great deal of interest in maybe Guilin in the south, fascinating backpacker territory. 

"Also, places like seaside resorts – Qingdao for example, which I think is very rewarding. I'm also interested to see how the British will take to Hainan Island, a big resort area."

Fast train network

The travel expert says China's fast trains are also contributing to the ease of exploring all parts of the country. 

"There's a vast number of flights of course, but also an increasingly impressive railway network," Calder said. "Getting around is going to be part of the joy of exploring China."

Calder himself will be taking advantage of the new rules by traveling imminently to China – a destination he has visited for decades. 

"I've been lucky enough to be traveling to the People's Republic since the early 1980s and it will be a very different experience when I return there – actually next week, to try out the new visa-free rules," he said. 

"I'm heading first of all to Chengdu in the west of the country, because it's simply a place where I haven't been before," he said – and this veteran traveler can't wait to arrive.

"I'm really thrilled at the opportunity of just stepping off the aircraft, showing them my British passport and being able to walk in and enjoy everything – exploring the cities, the countryside, as well I must say as eating the food."