On May 14, a significant cultural event promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Beijing, attracting over 300 attendees from various sectors, including Chinese government officials, tourism leaders, cultural organizations, media representatives, and diplomats from foreign missions in China.

The event showcased Uzbekistan's renewed commitment to fostering tourism ties with China, highlighting welcoming measures for Chinese tourists.

During the proceedings, Bobir Yakhyaev, the Consul General of the Uzbek Embassy, announced the signing of a bilateral visa-free agreement, which will come into effect on June 1. Under this agreement, citizens from both countries will be allowed to travel visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, facilitating deeper people-to-people exchanges.

In line with this initiative, Uzbekistan has designated the year 2025 as the Uzbekistan Tourism Year in China, intending to roll out a series of cultural activities across various Chinese cities, including Chongqing, Henan, Hainan, and Xinjiang.

Yakhyaev highlighted the historical significance of the ties between Uzbekistan and China as key nodes of the ancient Silk Road, underscoring a long-standing tradition of cultural and commercial exchange.

Zang Hongyan, president of Beijing Haina Silk Road Cultural Development Co., Ltd., shared her experiences in Uzbekistan, noting the critical role of youth in strengthening bilateral relations.

With approximately 60% of Uzbekistan's population being under the age of 30, the country sees more than 600,000 new entrants into the labor force each year, a figure projected to reach around 1 million by 2030.

Zang emphasized the growing interest among Uzbek youth in China and the increasing emphasis on exchange programs aimed at fostering understanding between the two nations.

Plans are underway to host a group of Uzbek university students for short-term programs at Chinese educational institutions this summer, with initial interest reportedly exceeding 100 students.

Echoing Zang's sentiments, Sabina Baikuvatova, a 23-year-old chief sales manager for a major travel company in Uzbekistan, expressed enthusiasm for enhancing tourism connections.

During her recent visit to China, she noted the country's rapid modernization and the need for strengthened ties.

Baikuvatova plans to utilize popular Chinese social media platforms, including Weibo and Douyin, to promote Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, cuisine, and tourism potential.

She described historical cities like Samarkand as “places of timeless beauty” and Khiva as a “living museum,” reflecting Uzbekistan's artistic grandeur.

These remarks illustrate the ongoing cultural dialogue between the two nations, as they seek to leverage their historical connections in the modern context.