During the New Year holidays from January 1 to January 3, the number of flight bookings from China to Uzbekistan doubled compared to the same period last year, Xinhua reports, citing data from Qunar Travel.

Experts attribute the increase in tourist flow primarily to Uzbekistan’s introduction of a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens in 2025, which significantly simplified entry requirements and stimulated short-term travel. The active promotion of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in China, as part of Uzbekistan’s Year of Tourism, and the expansion of direct flights between the two countries’ major cities had an additional impact.

Against the backdrop of traditionally popular Asian routes, Uzbekistan is increasingly seen by Chinese tourists as a new and promising destination, combining a rich cultural-historical legacy with convenient transportation. The most popular routes are in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, cities associated with the history of the Great Silk Road.

The growing interest from Chinese travelers indicates a strengthening of Uzbekistan’s position in the Asian tourism market and creates additional opportunities for industry development, especially during the holidays.

Aziza Alimova, UzA