Furthermore a return flight for £600 (that’s very conservative!) would still be more than many Chinese families earn in 3months!

What world are you living in?

While people in the UK are tightening their belts, the Chinese can afford to send their daughters and sons to study overseas,so do you really think 600 pounds for a flight is a big deal to them? I have seen what some Chinese pay into and withdraw from the banks in China, and it's more than most FT's will ever see I would imagine. This is a nation of savers, make no mistake...and a lot of them invest as well. They don't call wenzhounese the jews of the east for nothing you know.

And 600 for a flight is doable with BA, as well.