According to data from the tourism online platform Qunar, the number of airline bookings from China to Uzbekistan doubled during the New Year holiday period, from 1 to 3 January, compared to the same period last year, reflecting a significant increase in the country’s appeal to Chinese travelers, the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan reported citing China’s Xinhua news agency.
Analysts attribute this growth primarily to Uzbekistan’s visa-free regime for Chinese citizens, introduced in 2025, which has greatly simplified travel and reduced barriers for short-term tourism. Additional factors include the active promotion of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential during the recently concluded Year of Tourism in China, as well as the expansion of direct flights between major cities in the two countries.
Uzbekistan stands out as a new and promising choice, combining rich cultural and historical heritage with convenient logistics. Chinese travelers increasingly opt for routes through Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, appreciating the rich history of the Great Silk Road as well as high standards of service and safety.
Dunyo information agency reported citing official Uzbek statistics that tourist flow from China to Uzbekistan has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, about 74,300 Chinese tourists visited Uzbekistan, 75% more than in 2023.
This positive trend continued in 2025: from January to October, Uzbekistan received approximately 217,000 tourists from China, and by the end of the year, this figure is expected to exceed 250,000, more than three times higher than the previous year.
