The multidimensional bilateral relations between China and Kazakhstan, which have increased in recent years, have not only been limited to strategic sectors such as economy, energy, trade and transport, but have also gained significant momentum in the field of tourism. China’s ever-increasing economic capacity, its huge outbound tourist potential and the regional projects it is advancing in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have opened up many new opportunities for Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan. As a landlocked country, Kazakhstan sees tourism as a key driver of economic diversification. The country’s tourism relations with China contribute to the deepening of not only economic but also cultural ties. In this way, tourism comes to the fore as an important part of soft power diplomacy between the two countries.
Tourism relations between China and Kazakhstan have gained an institutional basis, especially with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Approved Destination Status in 2015. This agreement enabled Chinese tourists to travel to Kazakhstan through tours with simplified visa procedures. Within this framework, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists from China. In 2017, Kazakhstan declared the ‘Year of China’ in order to further strengthen its relations with China and pioneered the China Friendly program, creating Chinese documents in a wide range of places from hotels to museums, restaurants to shopping centers, offering payment support with ‘UnionPay’ and employing Chinese-speaking staff in order to better network mutual understanding.[1] In addition, the Association of Kazakhstan Travel Agencies invited Kazakh students studying in China to the country and encouraged them to receive a tourism education in accordance with state standards and thus contribute to Kazakhstan’s tourism sector.
The tourism relations of the two countries have evolved into a historical milestone. During the official visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym- Jomart Tokayev to China, 2024 was declared as ‘Kazakhstan Tourism Year in China’. The opening ceremony was held on 28-29 March at the Chinese National Opera House in Beijing, during which cultural performances, tourism investment forums and cooperation protocols were held. More than 500 guests attended the event and 37 cultural and trade events were planned throughout the year. Yermek Marzhikpayev, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, emphasised that China is a priority tourism market for Kazakhstan and that geographical proximity, historical ties and cultural similarities make this partnership more meaningful. The Minister also stated that Kazakhstan aims to attract Chinese tourists with its nomadic culture, historical heritage and natural wealth. Kazakhstan has rich resources combining nature and cultural tourism with destinations such as Shymbulak Ski Resort, Lake Kaindy, Charyn Canyon, Burabay National Park and Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve.[2]
Data from Chinese online tourism platforms also confirm this interest. According to the Ctrip platform, bookings to Kazakhstan increased by 229% compared to the previous year and 262% compared to 2019. Fliggy data revealed that flight bookings to Kazakhstan more than tripled by March 2024. Almaty, Astana and Aktau have become the most preferred cities among Chinese tourists. Direct flights, facilities at land border gates and infrastructure development have been effective in this increase. In particular, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Khorgos land port and China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Border Partnership Centre have played strategic roles in the development of cross-border tourism. In 2023, this center became fully operational and hosted a total of 4.27 million tourists, an increase of 418% compared to the previous year. It has become one of the favorite destinations for tourists and promotes trade, exchange and cultural exchange between the two countries.[3]
In addition to all these, Kazakhstan has come to the fore as the most promising destination for Chinese tourists in 2025. This assessment was made by Tongcheng Travel, one of the largest online travel agencies in China. As a result, the Kazakh Tourism National Corporation was presented with a prestigious award in this category. In addition, travel requests to the country in 2024 increased by 300% compared to the previous year. This remarkable increase shows that Kazakhstan has become a regional center of attraction in tourism.[4]
Kazakhstan aims to increase the number of domestic tourists to 4 million and the number of foreign tourists to 13 million by 2030 and to provide employment for 800,000 people in the tourism sector. In addition, Kazakhstan aims to increase the number of Chinese tourists to half a million and tourism revenue to 300 million dollars. To this end, more than 50 new cooperation agreements were signed in 2024, 10 separate promotional tours were organized and cooperation with leading Chinese media outlets was established. The three-part documentary ‘Bond with China’ broadcast on CCTV played an important role in the promotion of Kazakhstan.[5]
In conclusion, tourism relations between Kazakhstan and China are not only limited to mutual tourist flows, but also of strategic importance in terms of cultural diplomacy, economic development and regional cooperation. Structural policies such as ADS agreements, ‘China Friendly’ practices, mutual visa exemptions and cross-border cooperation centers are among the elements that institutionalize and sustain this relationship. The increase in the number of Chinese tourists, Kazakhstan’s visibility on digital platforms and the dialogue enriched by cultural events are steps that will shape not only the present but also the long-term future of the two countries. The fact that 2025 will be celebrated as ‘China Tourism Year’ in Kazakhstan shows that this process is progressing in a mutual and balanced manner. In this framework, the Chinese market for Kazakhstan tourism is transforming from an opportunity into a permanent partnership.
[1] “Kazakhstan Named Most Promising Destination for Chinese Travelers”, The Times of Central Asia, https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-named-most-promising-destination-for-chinese-travelers/, (Date Accessed: 24.03.2025).
[2] “China and Kazakhstan to Enhance Tourism Cooperation through Joint Efforts”, Travel and Tour World, https://www.travelandtourworld.com.tr/news/article/china-and-kazakhstan-to-enhance-tourism-cooperation-through-joint-efforts/, (Date Accessed: 24.03.2025).
[3] “Kazakhstan tourism year in China launched in Beijing”, Ecns.com, https://www.ecns.cn/travel/news/2024-04-01/detail-ihczemzi6542417.shtml, (Date Accessed: 24.03.2025).
[4] “Kazakhstan recognized as most promising destination for Chinese tourists in 2025”, Silk Way, https://silkwaytv.kz/en/kazakhstan-recognized-as-most-promising-destination-for-chinese-tourists-in-2025_50171, (Date Accessed: 24.03.2025).
[5] “Tourist Numbers from China to Kazakhstan Surge 78% in 2024”, The Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2025/02/tourist-numbers-from-china-to-kazakhstan-surge-78-in-2024/, (Date Accessed: 24.03.2025).
