The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 has ushered in a new chapter of bilateral tourism cooperation and consolidated the Cambodia-China iron-clad friendship.

by Kin Phea

Launched in April, the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 is expected to give a big boost to bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange.

Under this initiative, both sides have encouraged their citizens to travel to each other's countries, jointly developed tourism routes, enhanced tourism promotion and strengthened cooperation in tourism safety.

The Lancang-Mekong Visa -- a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing a maximum stay of 180 days per visit for eligible applicants from countries along the Lancang-Mekong River -- was launched by China in November 2024. It is also utilized to facilitate travel between Cambodia and China.

In addition, airlines have been encouraged to increase passenger and cargo flight frequencies and operate new routes between Cambodia and China on market demand.

Both Cambodia and China are ancient civilizations with a long history, sharing a respect for the diversity of civilizations in the world, the common values of humanity, and a commitment to cultural heritage and innovation.

Cambodia is renowned for the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, and the pristine coastal areas widely recognized by beach lovers across the world.

Tourists can also enjoy one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, the breathtaking landscapes along the Mekong River, the rich biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake, the rare Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins and many other unique destinations, along with rich cultural traditions, customs and exquisite Cambodian cuisine.

China is famous for its historical significance and iconic landmarks like the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing.

Tourism is a vital bridge that fosters mutual understanding and cultural exchange. The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 will encourage more tourists from both countries to deepen mutual understanding, open new avenues for educational and social cooperation, and strengthen the people-to-people bonds.

Cambodia attracted a total of 784,965 Chinese tourists during the January-August period of 2025, up 45.7 percent over the same period last year, according to a Cambodian Ministry of Tourism report.

It is predicted that through the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, more than one million Chinese tourists will travel to Cambodia in the whole year of 2025, which will greatly boost Cambodia's economic growth and tourism development.

In sum, the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 has ushered in a new chapter of bilateral tourism cooperation and consolidated the Cambodia-China iron-clad friendship.

The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, together with China's global initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, will inject stronger impetus into building the all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

Editor's note: Kin Phea is director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.