Kazakhstan mulls visa-free policy to woo Chinese visitors

As the ninth-largest country and largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan is vast in territory with rich tourism resources. In recent years, Kazakhstan has been developing its tourism industry by teaming up with its neighboring countries, including China.

2017 has been tapped as the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. Located along the Silk Road Economic Belt, Kazakhstan officially began accepting Chinese travel services on July 15, 2016, with a Chinese tour group entering Kazakhstan for the first time. 

Are you interested in Kazakhstan? Do you know what travel destinations are attracting tourists worldwide?

➯If you like skiing, you can go to Shymbulak!

Shymbulak, ski resort near Almaty in southeastern Kazakhstan [File Photo: inform.kz]

Shymbulak is a ski resort near Almaty in southeastern Kazakhstan. The resort is located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range, at the elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level. 

Shymbulak, ski resort near Almaty in southeastern Kazakhstan [File Photo: inform.kz]

Shymbulak is popular for its mild climate, sunny days and vast amounts of snow through the winter, which runs from November to May. The resort offers a ski and snowboard school. There are also the Shymbulak hotel, as well as ski, snowboard and sleigh rentals.

➯If you want to hunt or enjoy a natural landscape, Saryarka is a good choice!

Saryarka, part of the Kazakh Uplands [File Photo: inform.kz]

Saryarka is located in northern Kazakhstan, and is part of the Kazakh Uplands, which was designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008. Saryarka comprises the Naurzum State Nature Reserve and Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve. 

Saryarka, part of the Kazakh Uplands [File Photo: inform.kz]

The two reserves contain wetlands which serve as important stop-over points for migrating birds from Africa, Europe and South Asia. Saryarka is also home to wildlife commonly found on the Kazakh steppe, including marmots, wolves and the endangered saiga.

➯If you want to go fishing, Balkhash Lake is recommended!

Balkhash Lake [File Photo: inform.kz]

Balkhash Lake covers three regions of Kazakhstan - Almaty, Zhambyl and Karaganda. Water reservoirs in the Ili-Balkhash basin, including Balkhash Lake, are among the most popular, with unique biodiversity and vast amounts of fish in the lakes.

Balkhash Lake [File Photo: inform.kz]

Data from Kazinform, a major news agency of Kazakhstan, suggests there are 20 species of fish in the lake. Balkhash Lake is also home to around 120 different species of birds. The recreational potential of the lake and surrounding mountains and forests are popular among tourists.

➯If you are eager for cross-country driving, why don't you go Muyunkum Desert?

Muyunkum Desert [File Photo: Agencies]

Muyunkum is a desert in southern Kazakhstan. It is best known for its uranium deposits. Mines there include the Uranium One South Inkai mine and Cameco's Inkai Uranium Project.  Common plant types in the desert include the saksaul, milkvetch, mugwort and sedge.

Just a hint, if you choose to trek through the desert, a reliable GPS is essential!

The Kazakh government has launched its "Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020," which is meant to promote tourism clusters around the cities of Astana and Almaty, as well as the Eastern Kazakhstan, Southern Kazakhstan, and Western Kazakhstan Oblasts. Kazakh authorities hope to make tourism a 4-billion US dollar industry by 2020. Kazakhstan's government hopes tourism will also create some 300,000 new jobs.

Nuraly Bukeikhanov, vice president of the International Chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan, says authorities are mulling a 72-hour visa free policy for Chinese tourists. The Kazakh government is also planning to encourage local travel agencies to introduce more customized tourism products for Chinese customers.