China an important destination for international tourists: Lonely Planet co-founder

"China has become an important destination for tourists worldwide, and traces of Chinese tourists can be found in every corner of the world," said Tony Wheeler, co-founder of the world's largest travel guide series, Lonely Planet. Wheeler made the statement on his 20th trip to China, just before the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation kicked off in Beijing.

The 71-year-old told the People's Daily that China has experienced a dramatic transformation over the past 30 or 40 years. Wheeler has become something of a China expert after his many trips to the country; he knows the best place for roast duck in Beijing, and loves to ride around Beihai Park on a bicycle.

Before arriving in China, Wheeler traveled through Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in a 40-year-old vintage car. His route approximately followed the "Belt and Road" route, starting from Xi'an and Urumqi, and stretching all the way to Kazakhstan.

Wheeler's travels first started in 1972 when the newly married man decided to spend a year touring the world with his wife. With a shared passion for travel, the two set out from the U.K., ultimately arriving in Australia after crossing Asia.

"There were barely any channels to receive information at that time," Wheeler said, adding that they felt obliged to share their travel experiences with other people when they finished the trip. That was how Wheeler came to establish Lonely Planet.