We now turn to our special series "New China", which explores how various sectors have transformed over the years as the People's Republic of China gets set to celebrate its 70th anniversary. In today's edition, CGTN reporter Omar Khan takes us a look at how the world's most populous nation has grown and developed its tourism industry.

Despite a slowing global economy, China's tourism industry has seen robust growth over the past few decades.

In 2018 alone, total tourism revenue was just under 6 trillion yuan, that's just shy of 1 trillion US dollars. Compare that to 2010, the figure stood at slightly over 1-point-5 trillion.

For those operating in the tourism market, China's economic development has long been a catalyst to the sector's development and future outlook.

PENG TAO PRESIDENT, AIRBNB CHINA "I think China is an exciting space, and we know that China already accounts for 20% of travel expenditures worldwide. And according to McKinsey research, in 2020, there will be 160 million Chinese travelers abroad. That's a huge number. With the growth of the Chinese economy, there are more and more middle class Chinese, so this number will keep growing."

Last year Chinese people made staggering 5-and-a-half-billion domestic trips, a near 11% increase year-on-year. Over the past 10 years, the number of Chinese travelers going abroad has nearly tripled. But it's not just about sight-seeing and getting those beloved picture perfect photos. For accommodation giant Airbnb, it's also about connecting cultures, and deepening understanding.

PENG TAO PRESIDENT, AIRBNB CHINA "I think we are working with the local government and also the tourist and culture bureau. And I think we are a very natural bridge, to bring Chinese, the preciousness of Chinese culture to the world. So having this kind of platform, we can let the worldwide audience benefit from the Chinese experience."

While more and more visitors come to China, and more locals go abroad, maintaining a sustainable tourism economy is another challenge for both businesses and China's government.

DR. LIU CHUNSHENG CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF FINANCE & ECONOMICS "China also faces obstacles in the tourism sector, including the protection of water and land resources. Protecting both the natural environment and culture require greater efforts in this process. Services will also develop in the future. Yunnan Province has already made great progress in this regard, and is an example for other tourist destinations."

China is home to 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the most of any one country. And as the nation soon celebrates its 70th anniversary, ensuring that these sites remain preserved while balancing a dynamic economy, will be of utmost importance.

OMAR KHAN GUANGZHOU, GUANGDONG PROVINCE "Putting statistics aside, China, steadily yet slowly, has opened up its doors to visitors from around the world. Expedited visa processes and less red tape, are now allowing people to explore a country with rich traditions, and an ever-changing landscape. Omar Khan, CGTN, Guangzhou."