Linda J. Cox, a community economic development specialist from University of Hawaii at Manoa told Chinese media last week that she was impressed by China's rural tourism development, factoring in the country's large regional differences. 

During her 7th Chinese visit, Cox went to Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces, as well as Shanghai. She observed changes and improvements in the sustainable development of China's tourism industry.

"The fast, clean and orderly train system nationwide, the different architectural styles, the well developed infrastructure and diversified culture and food services all made China a good tourism destination to domestic and foreign tourists," Cox said, adding that "creative entrepreneurs still need to do more to inform the outside world about the rural resource they have and make foreigners better exposed."

After visiting Chongming Island and Anhui, Cox claimed that both places provide a great opportunity for Shanghai residents to get out and experience the agriculture, beautiful vistas, well developed accommodations, food service and activities in surrounding rural areas.

Cox listed food security as a concern in relation to attracting international visitors. The widely used mobile payment systems in China may pose a challenge to foreigners who don't use Alipay and WeChat. She also said the language barrier poses obstacles for foreign visitors.