[Source/Observer Network, Wang Yong; Editor/Zhao Qiankun]

Recently, China and Kazakhstan exchanged over 10 bilateral cooperation documents covering trade, investment, science and technology, customs, tourism, media, and other fields. Both sides will strengthen people-to-people exchanges in multiple dimensions to consolidate the friendly foundation between China and Kazakhstan, host the "Year of Chinese Tourism in Kazakhstan," and encourage exchanges among young people, media, think tanks, and local governments.

According to a report by the Astana Times on June 16, significant achievements have been made in cultural exchanges between the two countries, including the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Center, Luban Workshops, branch campuses of Chinese universities, and science and technology centers in Kazakhstan. Kazakh President Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan will support Confucius Institute activities and designate 2025 as the "Year of Chinese Tourism in Kazakhstan" to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation.

Almaty scenery, The Astana Times

Information shows that the opening ceremony of the "Year of Chinese Tourism in Kazakhstan" was held at the National Museum of Kazakhstan on June 16. The event included artistic performances, Hanfu fashion shows, and intangible cultural heritage experiences. Additionally, as one of the main events of the "Year of Chinese Tourism in Kazakhstan," the exhibition "Silk and Silk Road: From China to Kazakhstan" also opened on the same day at the National Museum of Kazakhstan. The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Origin of Silk," "Silk Road," and "Use of Silk," aiming to showcase the historical depth and modern development of Silk Road culture, reflecting the friendly exchanges and cultural integration between China and countries along the Silk Road. Meanwhile, the China National Silk Museum and the National Museum of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation.

According to previous reports by The Astana Times, in 2024, more than 650,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan, showing great interest in Kazakhstan's culture and natural heritage.

The report mentioned that 2024 is the "Year of Kazakhstan in China," under this framework, regions, tourism enterprises, travel agencies, and media platforms from both countries signed over 200 agreements, laying a solid foundation for cooperation. The "Year of Chinese Tourism in Kazakhstan" in 2025 will provide opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Kairat Marzhekhpaiev, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, stated, "China is one of Kazakhstan's priority tourism markets and partners. This is thanks to the geographical proximity of the two countries and the deep historical ties accumulated along the Silk Road."

International tourism industry media Travel and Tourism World reported that in 2024, the passenger flow between China and Kazakhstan surged dramatically, undoubtedly thanks to the newly signed visa-free travel agreement between the two countries, which simplifies entry procedures, opens a new chapter in cross-border mobility and economic cooperation, and reshapes the regional integration development pattern in Central Asia.

Horgos International Border Cooperation Center in Khorgos, the official website of the government of Khorgos City

The report mentioned that the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, built across the border in the China-Kazakhstan border area, has become a highlight. Cross-border tours, shopping tours, and other attractions are attracting an increasing number of tourists, with passenger and cargo flows growing unprecedentedly. China and Kazakhstan are promoting regional economic integration in Central Asia by turning the Horgos border zone into a high-traffic gateway for tourism and trade.

Statistics from the Xinjiang Horgos Immigration Inspection Station show that in the first quarter of this year, the Horgos port handled 280,000 inbound and outbound passengers, a year-on-year increase of 30%, setting a new historical record. This significant growth is due to the rise in tourism demand, deepening bilateral relations, and favorable immigration policies, making travel between the two countries more convenient. As of April this year, there are four international passenger routes operating from Horgos International Highway Bus Station to Kazakhstan.

According to reports from Kursiv, a website in Kazakhstan, located at the center of the Eurasian continent, Kazakhstan is the natural transit point for flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. Currently, Kazakhstan is planning to build an international aviation hub, creating a "carrier-airport-policy" trinity ecosystem to convert geographical advantages into economic momentum.

As bilateral relations continue to deepen, air connectivity between China and Kazakhstan is continuously strengthened. According to The Astana Times, on March 31, Air Astana launched a new route from Guangzhou to Almaty, further expanding its flight network in China. This is the fifth direct route between Air Astana and China, meaning travelers flying from Guangzhou to Almaty can conveniently transfer to Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe.

After the launch of the Guangzhou route, Air Astana operates a total of 17 weekly flights to mainland China, including 3 flights per week from Guangzhou to Almaty, 5 flights per week from Beijing to Almaty, 2 flights per week from Beijing to Astana, 5 flights per week from Urumqi to Almaty, and 2 flights per week from Sanya to Almaty.

Air Astana flight KC187 successfully arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China Daily Network

The new Guangzhou-Almaty route is Air Astana's first route connecting southern Kazakhstan with South China, marking an important milestone in expanding Air Astana's flight network in China. This move is expected to further promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and Kazakhstan while also contributing to the connectivity between China and Central Asia.

Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana, said, "China has always been a strategically significant market for Air Astana. The launch of the new Guangzhou route marks an important step in expanding our flight network in China, aligning with our long-term growth goals."

The report by The Astana Times also mentioned that on May 18, Fly Lion Airlines of Kazakhstan opened the Almaty-Ili Yining route in Kazakhstan. On the inaugural flight, the FS7199 flight carried a total of 329 passengers, with an occupancy rate of 94%, demonstrating strong market demand and vitality for this international route.

The FS7199 flight is scheduled to operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, with a flight time of only about 55 minutes. The specific flight times are: departing from Almaty International Airport at 17:00, arriving at Yining Yili International Airport at 17:55 (all times are local); return time: departing from Yining Yili International Airport at 20:05, arriving at Almaty International Airport at 21:05 (all times are local, subject to system query).

According to the Observer Network, on July 4, 2025, China Eastern Airlines will open the Shanghai-Almaty route, with flight numbers MU6041/MU6042, operating once each on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Departure from Pudong Airport in Shanghai at 16:05, arriving in Almaty, Kazakhstan, at 19:35; return flight departs from Almaty at 20:50 local time, arriving in Shanghai the next day at 05:45 (all times are local, subject to system query). Currently, tickets for the Shanghai-Almaty route operated by China Eastern Airlines are available for purchase.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516945913417122358/

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