Eco-tourists heading to north-west China will be buoyed by the news that giant pandas are said to be thriving in the region.

According to figures from the local forestry department of the Gansu Province, the population has grown from 100 to 120 since 2005.

It is believed that this is largely due to the success of a World Wildlife Fund program based in the southern mountains of the province.

The project saw the number of giant panda reserves in the area around Mount Minshan double to six - which are now all connected allowing the creatures more freedom.

In the last three years, the protected area has also been expanded from 308,000 hectares to 708,600 hectares.

Giant pandas are one of the world's rarest and best-loved creatures with visitors flocking for miles to catch a glimpse of one in its natural habitat.

China is a popular destination for western travellers thanks to its rich culture, historic sites and abundant wildlife.

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