Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists
Uzbekistan is strengthening its position as one of the most attractive tourist destinations for Chinese citizens. Following the introduction of the visa-free regime, the number of Chinese tourists to the country increased 3.5 times. In the first five months of 2026, 178,100 Chinese citizens visited the country, which is 78% more than in the same period of 2024.
Experts attribute the growing interest in Uzbekistan to several factors. The combination of safety, accessibility, and rich historical and cultural heritage plays an important role. For many Chinese travelers, Uzbekistan is becoming an attractive alternative to more expensive international routes.
Guests from China show special interest in the cities of the Great Silk Road – Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. These historic trade and cultural hubs have strong ties to China, making them especially appealing to tourists passionate about history and cultural heritage.
The country’s capital city is attracting more attention. Tashkent offers visitors a distinctive blend of a bustling modern city and historic sites. It features architectural landmarks and religious sites, as well as contemporary hotels, business hubs, and shopping and entertainment options. A new attraction is the Center of Islamic Civilization, which showcases the rich history, scientific progress, and cultural legacy of the Islamic world. This complex is drawing many international visitors, including tourists from China.
Modern parks, museums, cultural venues, and gastronomic facilities serve as additional attractions. Chinese tourists particularly favor the national cuisine, and traditional dishes such as pilaf, lagman, and samsa often leave the most lasting impressions of the trip.
A well-developed transportation system also boosts tourist arrivals. Tashkent International Airport, the metro, and an efficient public transportation network make travel comfortable.
Experts point out that enhancing tourism connections between Uzbekistan and China, expanding visa-free options, and improving tourism infrastructure create favorable conditions for mutual tourism growth. It is anticipated that the number of Chinese tourists will continue to rise in the coming years, aiding the development of the tourism sector and strengthening humanitarian relations between the two nations.
Aziza Alimova, UzA
