DPRK ready to receive Chinese tourists

China has sent its first tour group to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

On arrival in Pyongyang, they will regroup for 5-day trips.

Miao Hong, Tour Operator, said, "This is our first time to the DPRK. We all have lots of expectations for the trip. Once we arrive there, a welcoming ceremony will be held at Pyongyang Airport. A series of activities will also be launched....everyone is so looking forward to the trip."

But not all tour operators in China are qualified to organize group trips to the DPRK. China's National Tourism Administration says, there are only 3 gateways in China eligible for DPRK trips. They are Beijing, ShenYang, and DanDong.

Figures show, that the DPRK receives 10 to 30,000 Chinese tourists every year. They represent nearly 90 percent of DPRK's annual foreign tourist volume.

Also starting April 12th, Chinese tourists can also travel to the Federated states of Micronesia, an island nation located in the northern Pacific Ocean, through organized group tours. Chinese tourists need only bring their passports, return air tickets, and hotel booking documents to apply for a visa on arrival.