Beijing, – The number of internet users in China has risen above 100 million for the first time, according to reports in the country”s state media.

Only the US now has more web surfers as young and old Chinese take to the internet in record numbers, the BBC reported.

The figure is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.

China”s economic boom is behind the dramatic rise as increasing personal wealth means more people are able to buy computers and go online.