Kazakhstan Launches "Year of China Tourism" with Cultural Celebration
On February 8, Kazakhstan officially launched the "Year of China Tourism" in the Kazakh capital, Astana, with an elaborate cultural event aimed at promoting mutual tourism between the two countries. The festivities, held at the city's largest shopping center, featured an array of traditional Chinese cultural performances, including a dragon dance, mask tricks, Chinese songs, and an exhibition of Chinese cuisine.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin, who highlighted the significance of this initiative in fostering closer ties between the two nations. In his remarks, Ambassador Han emphasized that the "Year of China Tourism" would provide a unique opportunity for Kazakhstan's citizens to explore China’s rich cultural heritage and visit some of its most famous landmarks. He also expressed a warm invitation for Kazakh tourists to visit China more frequently and experience the country’s scenic landscapes and traditional culinary offerings.
The initiative comes after a notable increase in bilateral tourism, with over 655,000 Chinese visitors traveling to Kazakhstan in 2024, marking a 78% increase from the previous year. The Year of China Tourism is expected to further enhance tourism exchanges and encourage deeper cultural and economic collaboration between the two nations.
The Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China, held in 2024, had already made a significant impact, with more than 30 major events hosted in Chinese cities and over 200 agreements signed between the two countries. These events have played a crucial role in strengthening Kazakhstan's image as a key tourist destination.
The launch of the "Year of China Tourism" marks a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to enhance Kazakhstan-China relations, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. With continued efforts to promote tourism, the two countries aim to foster greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
Photo credit: Getty Images
