As the Chinese tourism market continues to mature, a growing number of foreigners are showing interest in visiting this ancient civilization.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, China received the world's third-largest amount of visitors in 2010, overtaking Spain.

With a vast expanse of land, China is rich in natural resources. Which souvenirs are most preferred by expats visiting the Chinese capital Beijing? Here is an investigation from Planet Travel:

For most expats, they will spend $200 buying souvenirs on average during a journey of three to five days. And Chinese tea is the top choice, followed by silk, handicrafts, cigarettes, traditional Chinese medicines, porcelain, paintings and calligraphy.

Tea, silk, paintings and calligraphy are most preferred by visitors from Europe, Oceania and the United States, while Asian tourists like the traditional medicines and healthcare products better.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/18/2013 page16)