TASHKENT, December 9. /Dunyo IA/. Chinese tourists actively chose Uzbekistan for short winter trips: from January 1 to 3, 2026, the number of booked flights from China to Uzbekistan doubled compared to last year, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing the Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Analysts link the increased interest to the introduction of a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens, making travel to Uzbekistan quick and convenient. The country attracts tourists not only with its rich history and cultural heritage but also with modern infrastructure, including new travel routes and convenient flights.

According to Uzbek statistical sources, tourist flow from China to Uzbekistan has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, around 74,300 Chinese tourists visited Uzbekistan — about 75% more than in 2023.

This positive trend continued in 2025: from January to October, Uzbekistan received approximately 217,000 tourists from China, and by the end of the year, this figure is expected to exceed 250,000 — more than three times higher than the previous year.

Experts note that the growth in trips is linked not only to the visa-free regime but also to active promotion of Uzbekistan in the Chinese tourism market during the recently concluded Year of Tourism, as well as the expansion of direct flights between major cities of the two countries.

The increase in Chinese tourist flow demonstrates Uzbekistan’s growing popularity among travellers from Asia, especially during holiday seasons, and opens up new opportunities for the tourism industry.