Central Asia becomes big draw for tourists from China

Central Asia, with its diverse natural landscapes and impressive cultural vibes, has become a tourism magnet for Chinese people, and experts are optimistic about further growth of outbound tourism based on deepening economic cooperation, optimized visa policies and the introduction of additional flights between China and the region.

Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute of the China Tourism Academy, said that events such as the China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in 2023 and the designation of 2024 as the Kazakhstan tourism year in China have boosted mutual understanding between people in China and Central Asia.

Friendlier visa policies and additional flights between Chinese and Central Asian cities have also increased Central Asia's attractiveness for Chinese tourists, Yang said.

China and Kazakhstan reached a mutual visa waiver agreement in November 2023, allowing Chinese travelers to visit Kazakhstan for up to 30 days for tourism and business purposes, and vice versa.

A similar visa-free agreement between China and Uzbekistan took effect on June 1 this year.

Figures from several Chinese travel portals and Central Asian media reflect the growing tourism trend. According to The Astana Times, Kazakhstan received 655,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, up 78 percent year-on-year.

Chinese online travel agency Tuniu said that bookings for Uzbekistan almost doubled in May compared with April, and most of the travelers hail from major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Ye Xiaowei, 28, a Beijing resident, said she spent an "unforgettable "week touring Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in September last year.

"Almaty, with its breathtaking natural views of mountains and lakes, was no doubt my favorite place during my visit to Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan impressed me with its rich cultural vibes and ancient towns and museums," she said.

Ye said that the affordability of transportation, accommodations and food was the main reason she chose to visit the region.

"For me, Central Asia was a land of mystery, because all I knew about the region was from books and television. During my trip, I had a good impression of the places I visited and met some very nice people," she said, adding that the whole trip cost her around 13,000 yuan ($1,810).

Li Peng, director of outbound trips at Tuniu, said that Uzbekistan's temperate climate in summer is a big draw for Chinese visitors, along with its Silk Road connection and exotic culture, adding that the peak travel season for destinations in Central Asia is typically from May to October.

Wei Changren, founder of btiii.com, a tourism-related financial news website, said that deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and countries in Central Asia have led more Chinese to develop an interest in traveling to the region.

"Central Asia's diverse natural landscapes and its historical bonds with China — the ancient Silk Road, for example — are helping win Chinese people's hearts," he said. "The improvement of diplomatic relations is also an important factor that promises to drive future tourism growth."

Yang, from the China Tourism Academy, expressed his confidence in the future development of outbound tourism.

"Destinations in Central Asia can offer more English or Chinese tourism guidance information. They can also launch more tourism products appealing to Chinese travelers' personal needs, such as educational or health-related trips," he said.