[Source/Observer Network Wang Yong Edited by Zhao Qiankun]
Recently, Uzbekistan and China signed a visa exemption agreement, which will take effect on June 1st. According to the agreement, citizens of both countries can stay for up to 30 days per entry and a total of no more than 90 days. The exemption policy applies to tourism, business visits, family visits, and other reciprocal activities.
Infusing new vitality into regional connectivity and tourism cooperation
The Astana Times of Kazakhstan reported that the visa exemption agreement signed between Uzbekistan and China has opened up new opportunities for tourism and economic and trade exchanges between the two countries, greatly benefiting their economies and enhancing the convenience of people-to-people exchanges. Chinese tourists will also be able to explore Uzbekistan's rich historical and cultural heritage and natural landscapes more conveniently, driving the flourishing development of local tourism.
The report believes that for Uzbekistan, this agreement marks an enhancement in its international influence. By providing visa-free treatment for Chinese citizens, Uzbekistan further consolidates its economic position in Central Asia. This mutually beneficial arrangement will undoubtedly promote cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, injecting new vitality into regional connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Khiva Ancient City Visual China
International travel industry media Travel & Tourism World reported that in recent years, China has continuously optimized its visa policies to promote international personnel exchanges. The signing of the visa exemption agreement between China and Uzbekistan is another important measure to promote high-level opening-up by China.
The report mentioned that Uzbekistan is a key economy in Central Asia and a crucial partner for China's joint efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative. This visa facilitation will promote tourism cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, attracting more Chinese tourists to explore Uzbekistan's historic and cultural cities such as Samarkand, while promoting bilateral business exchanges, driving bilateral trade and investment cooperation, and deepening interactions between the two countries in education and culture.
The report believes that with the acceleration of globalization and the increasing frequency of international personnel exchanges, visa facilitation has become an important way for countries to strengthen connectivity. The mutual visa exemption between China and Uzbekistan not only benefits the citizens of both countries but also sets a model for regional tourism and other cooperation areas.
Previously, regarding the travel craze of Chinese tourists to Central Asian countries and regions, Jin Zhun, Secretary General of the Tourism Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Observer Network, "In-depth economic and trade relations are the foundation of international tourism development. With the continuous deepening of economic and trade relations between China and Central Asia, there will be sustained development opportunities in tourism between China and Central Asia, and tourism cooperation will also become more in-depth."
China-Uzbekistan tourism cooperation has entered a new stage
KUN website reported that Uzbekistan is continuously increasing its investment in tourism, improving infrastructure, and strengthening international tourism promotion efforts. The country's tourism department has formulated plans to focus on developing eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, further enhancing the global appeal and competitiveness of Uzbekistan's tourism industry.
Bukhara Scenery Visual China
In addition, enterprises from both sides showed great interest in jointly investing in tourism infrastructure, hotel development, and technology-driven tourist services in Uzbekistan. These intentions and agreements have opened up new opportunities for sustainable investment and cross-cultural exchanges, marking a new phase in China-Uzbekistan tourism cooperation.
Relevant information shows that 2025 is the "Year of Chinese Tourism" in Uzbekistan. Within this framework, in order to attract more Chinese tourists, Uzbekistan is actively conducting tourism marketing activities in the Chinese market. The country has held tourism promotion events in Changsha, Chongqing, Urumqi, Guangzhou, Beijing, and other places, introducing local tourism resources, special cuisines, and folk cultures to Chinese tourists, comprehensively showcasing the rich cultural and tourism resources and unique charm of Uzbekistan.
Last May, when Uzbekistan held a tourism promotion event in Beijing, Yakhyaev Bobir, Consul of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in China, introduced that there are currently 58 direct flights per week between Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana in Uzbekistan and Beijing, Urumqi, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou in China. These flights are operated by airlines including Uzbekistan Airways, China Southern Airlines, and Changlong Airlines.
According to reports by the Eurasia Network, in recent years, the growth of international passenger traffic in Uzbekistan has been due to the improvement of bilateral relations between China and Uzbekistan, enhanced transportation connectivity, and the growing interest of international tourists in the unique historical and cultural landmarks in Central Asia. Currently, Uzbekistan is accelerating major infrastructure investments and expanding its national airline's passenger fleet.
The report mentioned that starting December 18, 2024, Uzbekistan Airways launched regular weekly flights between Tashkent and Sanya in Hainan, China, and Centrum Airlines of Uzbekistan also plans to operate this route. In mid-November 2024, Uzbekistan Airways added daily flights to Hangzhou, complementing the existing Beijing routes.
In addition, China Southern Airlines operates five weekly flights on the Urumqi-Tashkent route. In 2025, China Southern will also open the Guangzhou-Urumqi-Tashkent route (planned for three weekly flights).
Wan Ting, Deputy Director of the Foreign Cultural Exchange Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, told the Observer Network that in recent years, Uzbekistan has placed particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector with China. Under the framework of the "Year of Chinese Tourism" in Uzbekistan, the country has hosted multiple promotional events and forums aimed at attracting more Chinese tourists to explore Uzbekistan and encouraging foreign investment in its tourism infrastructure. "China is also actively encouraging and supporting the tourism promotion work of Central Asian countries, helping them build platforms, and encouraging Chinese tourism enterprises to go out and understand local markets. These efforts have led to a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Central Asia, especially to countries like Uzbekistan."
"At the same time, China is also actively taking measures to attract more tourists from Central Asia to visit China and experience its cultural and tourism resources," Wan Ting said.
New routes + customized services, the number of Chinese tourists will further grow
According to previous reports by Daryo website of Uzbekistan, statistics from the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan show that in the first quarter of 2025, the number of Uzbekistan citizens traveling abroad reached 1.5 million, an increase of 20.3% year-on-year, adding 256,500 travelers, reflecting the strengthening trend of international tourism among Uzbekistan citizens.
In January and February 2025, Uzbekistan received approximately 1.3 million international tourists, an increase of 37.1% compared to the same period in 2024. Among them, about 14,062 Chinese tourists were received.
According to reports by KUN website of Uzbekistan, data from the National Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan show that in April 2025, the number of foreign tourists visiting Uzbekistan set a new record, with over 1 million foreign tourists received in just one month of April, generating $3.5 billion in revenue. Initially, Uzbekistan planned to increase the number of foreign tourists to 15 million by 2030, but now the country expects to achieve this goal this year.
Tashkent Visual China
The report stated that Uzbekistan has abundant tourism resources, including several UNESCO World Heritage Cities and over 7,000 historical sites, making it an excellent destination for exploring Silk Road civilization. This includes picturesque views of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau, mysterious caves, vast Kyzyl Kum Desert, numerous lakes, the Ustyurt Plateau, and the Aral Sea within the Karakalpakstan region.
Previously, the country launched two new tourism routes — the "Golden Valley Loop" and the "Fortress Loop" — connecting ancient cities, ruins, and natural landscapes, offering in-depth exploration for history and culture enthusiasts.
To enhance the tourist experience, Uzbekistan will launch a one-stop tourism service software, scheduled for trial operation in June this year and official launch in August, with a special Chinese version. The software integrates functions such as flight tickets, train tickets, hotel bookings, and tour guide services, aiming to provide seamless travel support for Chinese tourists and further simplify itinerary planning.
Previous reports by Daryo website also mentioned that according to historical statistics from the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the country welcomed approximately 43,000 Chinese tourists in 2023. From January to November 2024, the country cumulatively received approximately 67,000 Chinese tourists. Among them, visitors for tourism purposes accounted for the highest proportion, about 54,000 tourists coming to explore the country's rich cultural heritage, historical relics, and diverse geological landscapes. Another 9,598 Chinese citizens visited for business trips, while other visitors came for family visits, study abroad, etc.
The report believes that this growth not only reflects the thriving development of Uzbekistan's tourism industry but also signifies the continuous deepening of relations between China and Uzbekistan. It is expected that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Uzbekistan will further increase in 2025.
In addition, the Observer Network learned from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in China that both sides will hold the Second Uzbekistan-China Local Cooperation Forum in Samarkand on June 1-2 to strengthen strategic partnerships and further promote the implementation of joint projects. At that time, leaders from all regions of Uzbekistan and delegations from more than 15 provinces and municipalities in China will attend the forum.
This article is an exclusive contribution by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7506464393941582399/
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