Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Almaty, October 12 (Xinhua) — Tourism between Kazakhstan and China has become one of the most dynamic areas of bilateral cooperation. Simplified visa and transport regulations, as well as active promotional efforts on both sides, have led to a sharp increase in passenger traffic and a revitalized tourism ecosystem along border routes.
According to Ainur Zhumataeva, director of the Kazakh Tourism department, the total number of Chinese citizens arriving in Kazakhstan in 2024 was 655,000. "If we consider tourists—people who spent more than 24 hours in Kazakhstan—according to our statistics, that's 174,000," she noted.
This figure increased from 103,000 in 2023 to 174,000 in 2024, representing a 66% increase compared to the previous year, she said. In the first half of 2025, 102,000 tourists from China stayed in accommodation facilities. If this trend continues, Zhumataeva predicts further growth.
Serik Daukenov, Deputy Head of the Nur Zholy Customs Post, confirms the operational support for border flows and the ease of border crossing. According to him, since the end of 2023, following the simplification of border crossing regulations, both throughput and the flow of people have increased significantly.
"While approximately 445,000 people crossed the border in both directions in 2023, this figure almost doubled in 2024, reaching 837,000," he noted. In the first eight months of 2025, approximately 344,000 Chinese citizens arrived in Kazakhstan.
S. Daukenov notes that the majority of travelers take scheduled buses, while approximately 10 percent use private cars. According to him, the checkpoint process takes 2-3 minutes: first passport control, then simplified customs control for tourists.
Kuanysh Baitursunov, executive director of the travel agency Selfie Travel, also confirms the growing demand. He discussed how outbound tourism has changed.
"In 2024, we sent 15,000 tourists to Sanya Island alone. This year, although it's not over yet, we've already sent 29,000. The number of flights has doubled," he shared.
According to K. Baitursunov, Hainan Island remains particularly popular with Kazakh tourists, establishing itself as one of Asia's top beach destinations. However, travelers are also increasingly focusing on cultural destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an.
"Xi'an is a city that amazes with its cultural value and architecture. Those who want to fully immerse themselves in Chinese culture should definitely visit," he added.
According to him, Kazakhstani tourists' interest in China is obvious. He is confident that this interest will only grow in the future, as new air routes continue to open. "Kazakhstani and Chinese airlines are actively developing cooperation, and I think flights to new cities will soon be launched," noted Baitursunov.
"Our tourists are increasingly learning about China. Today, it's one of the most progressive countries… the flow of tourists is constantly growing. And, as I said, this applies not only to mass tourism but also to individual tourism: more and more people want to get to know Chinese culture more deeply," he noted.
Kazakhstan's promotion in China, and conversely, Chinese tourism products, is being pursued by Kazakhstani operators on several fronts. As A. Zhumataeva noted, the national campaign focused on promoting Kazakhstani tourism in China in 2024. Over 37 events were held to promote Kazakhstani tourism in China back then, and this year, the focus has shifted to promoting Chinese tourism in Kazakhstan.
According to her, one of the tools is participation in major television projects and filming that showcase Kazakhstan's tourist landscapes. Thanks to coverage in major popular programs, Chinese citizens learn more about Kazakhstan.
"According to analysts, 50 percent of information about the country is transmitted through social media and 23 percent through television," she explained, pointing to the importance of the two countries' online platforms in promoting mutual tourism.
Overall, the observed dynamics indicate the emergence of a sustainable tourism exchange between Kazakhstan and China. The opening of new air routes, the development of border infrastructure, and increased cultural communication are creating the preconditions for further growth in mutual travel. According to experts, cooperation in tourism is becoming not only an economic but also a humanitarian bridge, promoting greater trust and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.