An invitation to go wild

National parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, are among the main destinations for visitors to the United States.

It's because Huang often visits the United States that he branched out beyond cities to discover Yosemite's ancient forests and geological quirks last March.

"Magnificent cedars tower as high as skyscrapers," says the resident of Hunan's provincial capital, Changsha.

"I've been to lots of US shopping malls, amusement parks and beaches. It was nice to explore the country's nature."

He was astonished by Yosemite's verdant vegetation, snowcapped summits and wondrous waterfalls, he says.

Major outbound-travel operator Beijing Utour International Travel Service Co says it has increased and enhanced packages based on US parks since the visa change.

"More people will take multiple US trips. They'll seek different in-depth experiences off the beaten track," Utour's publicity manager Li Mengran says.

"Our parks' tours have proven popular with seasoned travelers. They all sell out during major holidays like (the weeklong) National Day vacation."

Hiking and camping in Earth's most unearthly places are the favorite Chinese pastimes, Li explains.

Yellowstone, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon take top spots on Chinese itineraries, he says.

A 10-day driving trip covering Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in April currently costs roughly 25,000 yuan ($3,800) on Utour's website.

Park travel can prove pricier than conventional tours because the destinations are remote, Li explains.