Canadians paid over 800,000 visits to China in 2017, a nearly 9% increase over the previous year, People's Daily reports.

Chinese arrivals reached a record of over 680,000 in 2017, a 12% increase over 2016, Destination Canada reports. China is the country's third-largest source of inbound tourists.

Most Chinese visit during the peak period in July and August.

Expanded air capacity, favorable economic conditions and visa liberalization bode well for an increase in arrivals this year, Destination Canada forecasts.

Both countries offer reciprocal 10-year visas.

Canada opened seven visa-application centers in China last year, bringing the total number to 12.

Chinese can use UnionPay－China's largest payment provider－when applying for visas online since June 22.

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