The number of visas issued by the UK to Chinese visitors was 291,919 in 2013, which increased 39% year on year and hit a record high, according to the UK’s national statistics bureau.

The UK processed visas in an average of 7.2 days, 96% of all applications were successful, the report said. The UK has been working hard to make it easier for Chinese national to obtain visas.

Data also showed that the UK is continuing to attract more Chinese talent students, with a 9% rise in student visas granted to Chinese nationals, and a 14% rise in student visit visas.

British Ambassador to China Sebastian Wood described the statistics as both striking and encouraging, adding that the visa system is supporting the growth of the bilateral economic, educational and tourism relationship with China.