China and Myanmar have witnessed closer cultural ties during the past seven decades. More Myanmar students like to learn the Chinese language and culture in school and more Chinese tourists are choosing Myanmar as one of their favorite destinations. CGTN's Zhu Dan tells us more.

Speaking Chinese perfectly, these kids are actually from Myanmar. The students, aged three to 16, not only manage to use the language but they also pick up some Chinese culture.

STUDENT Brainworks Total International School, Yangon, Myanmar "China is good, as it's very convenient, such as public transportation and electronic payments. And Chinese culture is very interesting. I really like to live in China. I plan to apply to attend university in China."

Here at this international school, Chinese is a required subject.

MOHAN AIYER Principal, Brainworks Total International School Yangon, Myanmar "It has been a full time subject for many years, and we're doing very very well. Our goal is to have 10-thousand students. There are a lot of economic advantages, especially when it comes to jobs."

When the school opened in 2011, there were only two students with two Chinese teachers. Now, there are more than three thousand students.

ZHU DAN Myanmar "Learning Chinese is becoming a trend in some Myanmar schools. More Chinese tourists are making Myanmar one of their favorite destinations. Here in Sule Pogada, we met lots of new Chinese friends."

"The stuff are inexpensive here, and the weather is warm. I will take my parents next time."

According to government figures, there were more than 523-thousand Chinese visitors in 2019, compared to about 200-thousand in 2018, an increase of 164 percent in one year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for a two-day state visit to Myanmar at the end of the week. It is Xi's first visit to Myanmar, and it's also the first visit by a Chinese president in 19 years.

Improving economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and increased tourism will be on the agenda. Zhu Dan, CGTN, Myanmar.