Following the steps of Chinese director and TV host Gao Xiaosong in his amazing series on Ireland Xiaoshuo Aierlan aired in 2017, and various other exciting promotions, more and more Chinese are getting to know Ireland and making plans to visit to see its natural beauty and appreciate its rich culture, history and cuisine.

Gao visited Irish President Michael Higgins to talk about Irish poetry, history and also visited Dolores O'Riordan, the late lead singer of Irish rock group the Cranberries.

The Chinese pop star's shows accumulated almost 300 million total views and podcast plays, however, it is not enough for the emerald island at the edge of Europe, to bring itself to be better known to its Chinese guests some 8,000 kilometers away.

James Kenny, Tourism Ireland's China manager, said the country is adjusting its market strategy after the launch of direct flights and he believes there will be a big increase in Chinese inbound visits.