Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region received 118,100 international visitors during the first half of this year, 37 percent more than the same period of 2004, according to the local statistical bureau.

The soaring number of foreign tourists brought 30.8 million US dollars to Xinjiang, a year-on-year growth of 40.6 percent.

The "one-day travel" has become the most popular tourism package to foreign travelers, especially from Kazakhstan and kyrgyzstan, said the bureau.

Meanwhile, a growing number of tourists from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are also being attracted by the scenic landscapes in Xinjiang.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2005)