The ancient Silk Road spirit finds new expression as China-Central Asia tourism achieves remarkable growth following the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit. With mutual visa exemptions now in effect between China and Kazakhstan (since November 2023) and Uzbekistan (June 2024), bilateral visitor numbers show explosive growth. Ctrip data reveals a 106% year-on-year increase in Central Asian travelers to China, while Chinese outbound bookings to Central Asia surged 74%. Key routes now connect Guangzhou, Beijing and Xi’an with Tashkent and Almaty, where traditional caravanserais once hosted Silk Road merchants. “Xinjiang’s landscapes and hospitality exceeded all expectations,” remarked Kazakh tourist Natalia during her Urumqi tour, echoing the sentiment of many Central Asian visitors drawn to China’s northwestern gateway.
Experiential Tourism Redefines Silk Road Journeys
Modern travelers demand more than sightseeing – they seek cultural immersion. Central Asians explore Xinjiang’s museums and bazaars while Chinese tourists savor plov in Samarkand’s State Plov Center. Travel operators innovate with themed products: Xinjiang Xiyu International Travel Agency launched five specialty routes combining wellness and commerce, while Spring Tour prepares summer packages featuring Registan Square light shows and modernized heritage sites. “Our Uzbekistan tours attract history-loving retirees, but new products will target younger demographics,” noted CYTS Chairman Han Jie. The shift reflects deeper engagement – where Marco Polo once documented exotic customs, today’s travelers participate in craft workshops and homestays.
Digital Innovation and Policy Support Accelerate Growth
Strategic initiatives amplify tourism’s potential. Uzbekistan conducted roadshows across China while Kazakhstan designated 2025 as its “China Tourism Year,” hosting digital forums like the recent Silk Road Digital Tourism Conference in Almaty. “We’re training Chinese-speaking guides and upgrading infrastructure to welcome more visitors,” shared Zhang Wei of Uzbek agency Stan Travel. Sichuan Youth Travel Service reports Central Asia as its fastest-growing market since 2023, offering Silk Road reenactment tours and adventure packages. As Kazakhstan welcomes 655,000 Chinese visitors in 2024 (up 78%), both regions leverage their shared heritage to build 21st-century people-to-people connections – proving that the Silk Road’s greatest legacy may be its enduring capacity to bring civilizations closer.
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