BEIJING - The number of visas issued to Chinese nationals by the UK hit a record high of 291,919 last year, up 39 percent year on year, data showed.

The growth rate was the largest than anywhere else in the world, according to a report on the UK government's China website. The UK has made it easier for Chinese people to obtain visas, the report said.

It took the UK on average 7.2 days to process a visa. Of all visa applications, 96 percent were successful, the report said.

The numbers also showed that the UK is continuing to attract top students from China, with a 9-percent rise in student visas granted, and a 14-percent increase in student visitor visas, the report said.

British Ambassador to China Sebastian Wood described the statistics as both striking and encouraging. He said the visa system is supporting the bilateral economic, educational and tourism relationship.