Consul Bobir Yakhyaev of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in China gives a keynote speech at the Presentation of the Tourism, Culinary, and Culture of Uzbekistan in Beijing on May 14, 2025. Photo: Dong Feng/GT

The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in China hosted a promotion session titled "Presentation of the Tourism, Culinary and Culture of Uzbekistan" in Beijing on May 14. At the event, it was announced that the 30-day visa-free policy between Uzbekistan and China will start on June 1. 

Players from the tourism and education sectors were greeted with flavored Uzbekistani snacks such as non, a round and flat bread that is a staple in Uzbek cuisine, desserts, and sweets, halva, a sweet confection made from sesame seeds, sugar, and nuts, and chak-chak, a dessert made from deep-fried dough pieces that are bound together with honey or syrup.

Saidkamol Agzamkhodjaev, counselor of the embassy, gave opening remarks, warmly welcoming Chinese tourists to Uzbekistan for diverse experiences.

In his address, Bobir Yakhyaev, consul of Uzbekistan in China said that it is known that long historical and cultural ties bind the two peoples, the source of which goes back to the times of the great Silk Road. "Continuing these traditions, strategic relations between Uzbekistan and China in the last few years have become dynamic and stable. The agreement reached during the mutual visits and meeting of the two heads of state serve as the basis for the further strengthening and development of our cooperation at all levels," noted Yakhyaev. 

"We solemnly announce the entry into force of the 30-day visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and China from June 1," Yakhyaev said. 

Uzbekistan is the historical center and masterpiece of the great Silk Road, the crossroads of world cultures and civilizations. There are 8,000 objects of cultural heritage in the country. Two hundred and nine of these cultural heritage sites are a component of the city museums of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz, and these cities are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

The "China Friendly" system is also actively being implemented in Uzbekistan, which is the standard aimed at creating a comfortable environment for Chinese tourists, Yakhyaev said, giving Chinese-language menus, signages installed at airports, hotels and restaurants, as well as Chinese speaking staff as examples.