Kazakhstan Emerges as a Top Destination for Chinese Travelers, Highlighted in New Documentary,

Published on December 30, 2025

The tourism sector in Kazakhstan is emerging in the international arena due to a new promotion video produced by the Chinese media outlet, Guangzhou Radio and Television. The video is a contribution to their international program, “Make Friends in the Silk Road,” and is putting Kazakhstan under the limelight in terms of its cultural offerings and tourismpotential, especially among Chinese tourists. The goal of this initiative is to improve China and Kazakhstan’s relations by emphasizing their similarities and tourism opportunities offered by the two nations.

A Collaborative Effort Between China and Kazakhstan

This documentary follows the success of previous collaborations, such as the “Youth of Hong Kong in Border Cities,” which showcased young bloggers from both Kazakhstan and China exploring each other’s countries. The new project, which features young Chinese and Kazakh bloggers, highlights not only Kazakhstan’s tourism but also its vibrant cultural traditions and modern youth values. The travelers explore Kazakhstan’s historical landmarks, local customs, and contemporary attractions through their personal journeys, offering an authentic and relatable perspective to audiences in China and beyond.

Daniel Serzhanuly, the Acting Chairman of Kazakh Tourism, emphasized the growing tourism cooperation between Kazakhstan and Guangzhou. In 2025, Kazakhstan has focused on enhancing business relationships with China, including business-to-business (B2B) meetings and familiarization tours for Chinese tourism representatives. Additionally, the launch of a direct flight route between Guangzhou and Almaty by Air Astana has made travel between the two countries more convenient and accessible.

Increased Chinese Tourism to Kazakhstan

The documentary and the broader tourism campaign are already yielding positive results for Kazakhstan. In the first 11 months of 2025, Kazakhstan welcomed over 876,000 Chinese visitors, a notable increase from the previous year’s 655,000. This growth highlights the increasing appeal of Kazakhstan as a travel destination for Chinese tourists, especially given the country’s proximity and the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

The increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Kazakhstan reflects the country’s strategic efforts to boost its tourism sector, offering visitors a wide range of experiences—from historical tours and cultural explorations to modern urban experiences and outdoor adventures. Kazakhstan’s growing popularity is also attributed to its investment in infrastructure, including improved transportation links and accommodation facilities, making it an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Filming Locations and Highlights of the Documentary

The documentary features several key destinations in Kazakhstan, with a focus on the bustling city of Almaty and the rapidly developing capital, Astana. In Almaty, the filming crew explored the urban landscape, local cuisine, and natural attractions such as the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Almaty, known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings, offers visitors the chance to experience both the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a modern city and the serenity of the nearby mountains.

Astana, Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital, is another major highlight of the documentary. The city’s cutting-edge architecture, rapid development, and impressive infrastructure are showcased, emphasizing the transformation of Kazakhstan into a modern and forward-thinking nation. Astana’s iconic landmarks, such as the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr shopping center, represent Kazakhstan’s commitment to innovation and its ambitions as a growing tourist hub in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan’s Appeal During the Winter Holiday Season

Kazakhstan has become one of the top seven most popular destinations for Chinese tourists during the winter holiday season. This growing interest is driven by the country’s unique combination of cultural experiences, adventure tourism, and modern attractions. The winter season, in particular, offers a variety of opportunities for Chinese travelers, such as skiing and snowboarding at Kazakhstan’s world-class resorts in the Tien Shan mountains, making it an attractive alternative to more traditional winter destinations.

Kazakhstan’s reputation for hospitality and its rich cultural heritage also make it an appealing choice for travelers looking for authentic experiences. The documentary emphasizes the importance of these experiences, offering a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s history, traditions, and natural beauty. With a growing emphasis on eco-tourism, cultural immersion, and adventure tourism, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking more meaningful and diverse experiences.

The Role of Digital Platforms in Promoting Kazakhstan

In addition to airing on Guangzhou Television, the documentary will also be available on international digital platforms of the GBA Lifestyle media group. This broad distribution will allow Kazakhstan to reach a wider audience, showcasing its tourism offerings not only to Chinese viewers but to international travelers as well. By leveraging digital media and streaming platforms, Kazakhstan is effectively tapping into the global travel market, encouraging tourists to explore beyond the well-known tourist hotspots.

The documentary serves as a key element in Kazakhstan’s broader tourism marketing strategy, which aims to position the country as a destination that blends ancient history with modern sophistication. As more travelers seek authentic, immersive experiences, Kazakhstan’s unique combination of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern amenities makes it an ideal choice for discerning travelers.

Looking Forward: The Future of Kazakhstan’s Tourism

As Kazakhstan continues to grow as a tourist destination, the tourism sector is expected to evolve and expand. With increasing international visibility, particularly in the Chinese market, the country’s tourism industry is poised for further growth in the coming years. The documentary serves as an important part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to attract global visitors, and its focus on authentic, culturally rich experiences will continue to resonate with travelers seeking more meaningful travel.

Kazakhstan’s continued investment in infrastructure, partnerships with international airlines, and promotional campaigns like this documentary are likely to drive further growth in both leisure and business tourism. The country’s tourism sector is on track to become one of the most vibrant and dynamic in Central Asia, offering a diverse range of experiences that appeal to tourists from around the world.

Kazakhstan as a Rising Star in Global Tourism

Kazakhstan’s efforts to showcase their rich cultural background as well as their modern attractions in an attempt to attract tourists is making the country very appealing to foreign tourists. The collaboration between Kazakhstan’s channel and China’s Guangzhou TV to document the video is very clear evidence that the potential in the tourism industry in Kazakhstan is being acknowledged around the world. Kazakhstan will be one of the dominating players in the global tourism industry in the near future.