Industry players discussed the integration of aviation and tourism in Beijing in late October.

A total of 160 aviation and tourism business representatives from Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania gathered at the China Aviation and Tourism Forum to seek cooperation opportunities.

"Aviation and tourism share similar characteristics and serve the same subjects," says Li Jun, chair of the China Air Transport Association.

The relationship between the two industries requires coordinated development and close cooperation on both sides, Li adds.

With rising tourism over the years, airports have evolved into a social culture space that can satisfy travelers' needs for food, accommodation, shopping and entertainment, says Li Xiaoping, vice-president of China's biggest online travel agency Ctrip.

As of 2018, China has 235 certified transport airports, with 1.27 billion passengers in throughput, up 10.2 percent over the previous year.