Chinese tourists have found Guam an intriguing destination with clear seawater, colorful corals, steep cliffs and rich island culture.[Photo provided to China Daily]

He especially enjoyed South Island's architectural aesthetic since all structures were indigenous.

"You could read an Umatac village's history from its mottled walls," he says.

Yu was among the island's 23,000 Chinese visitors last year when arrivals from the mainland increased 62 percent, the Guam Visitors Bureau reports.

Over 3,500 Chinese arrived during this February's weeklong Spring Festival holiday.

The increase has been fueled by the introduction of 10-year reciprocal multi-entry visas between the US and China. The China-US Year of Tourism, officially announced a week and a half ago, will also bring more Chinese, tourism authorities forecast.

Tourism is a pillar industry. Guam has paid great attention to the Chinese market, even offering Chinese menus at restaurants.

Welcome banners and red Chinese lanterns adorned the airport this Spring Festival. And the Shop Guam Festival, which used to last from Nov 1-Dec 31, was extended through the Chinese holiday this year.

Chinese were given free booklets of 200 coupons, and they could get e-coupons sent to their smartphones.

Goods in Guam are generally at least 30 percent cheaper than in China.