China-Kazakhstan Connectivity: Chinese Tourism Enterprises Show Strong Interest in Samarkul Lakeside Resources in Eastern Kazakhstan, Both Sides Plan to Enhance Cooperation to Attract Tourists
Source: Kazakh International News Agency — During the visit of a delegation from the Eastern Kazakhstan Region to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, several Chinese tourism enterprises expressed strong interest in the Samarkul lakeside area.
The delegation was led by Deputy Governor Bakhtjan Bayakhmetov, including administrative officials from various cities and districts. Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on investment potential, particularly focusing on the development of the tourism industry.
Selim Zhenisov, District Head of Samarkul District, stated that the delegation has held talks with multiple Chinese tourism companies and reached preliminary cooperation intentions. According to plan, Chinese partners intend to organize batches of tourists—each around 150 to 200 people—during the summer peak season for visits to the Samarkul lakeside area.
It is expected that agreements will soon be signed with owners of resort facilities in the Sarybel region regarding cooperation in receiving and accommodating Chinese tourists. Currently, there are 71 resort facilities in the district, offering over 580 lodging units and approximately 3,000 guest beds, with peak tourist seasons concentrated in summer. To further promote industry development, local authorities have already formulated tourism development plans.
Meanwhile, infrastructure construction continues to advance. In 2025, partial mid-term repairs were completed on sections of the road network connecting Kokpeketi–Samarkul–Vasiliyevka ferry crossing; related projects will proceed this year. Additionally, stable mobile communication and internet coverage will soon be achieved along the Sarybel lakeshore, providing more convenient conditions for visitors.
The development of tourism clusters in the Eastern Kazakhstan Region is being comprehensively coordinated by Governor Nurmbet Saktayganov. This year, design and budget documents for the modern recreational trail project along the shores of Bukhtarma Reservoir are under preparation, while the overall development and landscape enhancement master plan for the Samarkul lakeside area is also being formulated.
Local plans include beautification and formalization of beach areas in two villages—Sarybel and Novostroyka—granting them public beach status, and exploring legal models for entrusting their management to enterprises through trust arrangements. Furthermore, to improve service quality, sanitary facilities are planned to be constructed along the route leading to the Miroulubovka resort area.
In promoting tourism development, local authorities are also advancing active tourism. This year, events such as the "Open Air – Sarybel" summer opening ceremony and the "BAJA GAMES SAMAR" extreme tourism competition are scheduled to attract more tourists and investors, enhancing regional visibility.
Authorities note that deeper collaboration with Chinese partners is expected to inject new momentum into local tourism development and create better opportunities for tourists to learn about the natural scenery and cultural characteristics of Eastern Kazakhstan.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861800321984711/
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