Baird heading to China in September

NSW Premier Mike Baird is off to China next month to spruik the state's tourism destinations, education and financial services.

The three-day trip through three cities in early September is Mr Baird's first international tour as premier.

"China has already overtaken New Zealand as our biggest tourist market with more than 400,000 Chinese visitors arriving in NSW each year," he said in a statement.

"Chinese students account for about 30 per cent of all international enrolments in NSW and while in Guangzhou I will look at ways to further promote our world-class education sector."

Mr Baird will also speak to the Shanghai business community and in Beijing he will push for progress on a 2013 deal to further trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology between NSW and China.