Tourism between China’s Xinjiang region and Kazakhstan has seen remarkable growth since the visa-free arrangement began in November 2023. With the bureaucratic hurdle removed, visitors from each side are moving freely, and places like Tacheng have become lively gateways showcasing the hospitality of Xinjiang. Kazakhstan’s treasures, such as vibrant Almaty, the resplendent blue of Alakol Lake, and the storied Silk Road caravanserais, are within reach. Travellers are taking advantage of the smooth crossing to combine trips, exchange stories over shared meals, and forge friendships that turn borderlands into shared frontiers.

With the rising popularity of cross-border tourism, Xinjiang’s border cities are benefiting from an influx of visitors, especially to areas such as Dunhuang, a city well-known for its Mogao Caves and Silk Road heritage. This increase in traffic highlights the growing cultural and economic ties between China and Kazakhstan, reinforcing the importance of regional tourism in promoting both cultures.

Boost in Travel Routes and Popular Destinations

For many, the newfound ease of travel has allowed previously distant destinations to become easily accessible. Tacheng residents, for instance, have increasingly visited Alakol Lake in Kazakhstan for its serene waters and health benefits like mud baths and swimming. Just a few hours away by bus from Baktu land port, the lake is now a top tourist destination for those from Xinjiang and beyond. Local travel agencies in Tacheng, such as Shaanxi Gaoke International Travel Agency, have capitalised on the visa-free policy by offering short-term tours to the lake, with multiple trips organised throughout the summer months.

This growing interest in Kazakhstan’s scenic spots is mirrored by the growing number of Chinese tourists heading to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, where visitors can experience a blend of natural beauty and urban culture. The boost in visitor numbers reflects the broader trend of increasing connectivity and cooperation between the two countries, further aided by cultural celebrations like the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China and the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan.

Enhanced Connectivity and Expanding Tourism Options

The direct flights introduced by Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan, including routes between Almaty and Xinjiang’s Yining city, are playing a major role in this cross-border tourism boom. Starting in October 2025, the airline will increase its flight frequency to three per week, making travel between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang even more convenient for international travellers.

Additionally, there are growing numbers of cross-border tour routes being developed by agencies from both countries. Kazakh travel agency Nur-Gany and Xinjiang Tacheng Travel Service Co., Ltd. have joined forces to offer eco-tourism and cultural exchange tours, allowing visitors from China and Kazakhstan to experience each other’s rich cultural heritage through immersive, bespoke itineraries.

These new routes are designed to cater to both individual travellers and larger groups, allowing for a diverse array of travel experiences. Whether exploring Kazakhstan’s vast landscapes or delving into Xinjiang’s Silk Road history, the growing number of customised tours ensures a tailored experience for tourists seeking to explore the region in depth.

Better Infrastructure and Services for Cross-Border Visitors

With the increase in tourist arrivals, Xinjiang’s border ports, such as Horgos, have made significant upgrades to their infrastructure to facilitate smoother travel experiences. The newly established Horgos Cross-border Tourism One-stop Service Center offers a range of services, including travel agencies, translation services, car rentals, and customs declarations. These improvements have been crucial in handling the growing number of tourists, with passenger traffic through Horgos port exceeding 1 million by August 2025—a 60 percent increase compared to the previous year.

In response to this influx of international visitors, Xinjiang’s hospitality industry has also stepped up its game, with local inns and homestays catering to the influx of foreign tourists. Many of these businesses are adapting by offering multilingual services, enhancing the experience for visitors from various countries.

The Future of Cross-Border Tourism Between Xinjiang and Kazakhstan

The recent boom in tourism between China and Kazakhstan is just the beginning of a much larger trend. As both countries continue to invest in infrastructure and cultural exchange programs, cross-border tourism is set to play an increasingly important role in both their economies. With the introduction of new flights, expanded tour offerings, and improved services, the prospects for cultural tourism between Xinjiang and Kazakhstan remain bright.

As tourism becomes a key part of regional cooperation, cross-border travel is expected to grow significantly, enriching both nations’ cultural landscapes and fostering mutual understanding. For visitors, this offers exciting opportunities to experience the best of both China and Kazakhstan in one seamless journey.

A New Era for Xinjiang and Kazakhstan’s Tourism Landscape

China’s recent visa-free arrangement with Kazakhstan has sparked an energetic surge of travel, opening once-remote areas to feel almost like nearby neighbours. Beyond the calm blue crescent of Alakol Lake to the leafy avenues of Almaty, this fresh wave of cross-border visitors deepens friendship between the two nations and broadens carpeted memories for everyone who rides the trend. Enhanced services, freshly painted itineraries singing between yurts and skyscrapers, and travel companies pooling clever ideas point to an expectant horizon, with Xinjiang and Kazakhstan poised to stand out as the region’s inviting classrooms and playgrounds of culture and wonder.

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