Xinjiang’s Horgos, a border city with Kazakhstan, has witnessed a significant surge in cross-border tourist flows, with the number of people entering and exiting the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center surpassing 5 million as of September 20th, 2024, marking a 76% year-over-year increase.
According to the latest statistics from the Xinjiang Exit-Entry Administration Frontier Inspection General Station, the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center has seen an impressive influx of visitors. The center, which spans 5.6 square kilometers, is the first cross-border economic cooperation zone established between China and another country. It was officially operational since 2012, allowing Chinese, Kazakhstani, and third-country citizens to freely enter and exit the respective zones without visas, provided they hold valid passports or entry-exit permits.
This year, border tourism, cross-border tourism, and shopping tours in Horgos have been particularly popular, driving a significant increase in visitor numbers. From September alone, the daily flow of people entering and exiting the cooperation center has exceeded 25,000. To accommodate the high volume of visitors, all 12 lanes for manual inspections and 10 lanes for automated inspections are open in the joint inspection hall. Border control personnel guide merchants and tourists to enter quickly and orderly, ensuring efficient passage.
The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center is a unique economic zone that facilitates trade and cultural exchanges between China and Kazakhstan. It offers a platform for direct interactions between citizens of both countries and third-party nations, promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation. The surge in visitor numbers reflects not only the growing interest in cross-border tourism but also the enhanced economic and cultural ties between China and Kazakhstan.
This development has significant implications for the region. It not only boosts the local economy but also enhances the cultural and social exchanges between the two countries. The high volume of visitors also indicates the growing interest in the region among international tourists, which could further drive economic growth and development.
The successful operation of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center is a testament to the strategic importance of border regions in fostering economic and cultural cooperation. As China continues to integrate more deeply into the global economy, such cross-border initiatives are likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting regional stability and economic prosperity.
In conclusion, the record-breaking tourist numbers at the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center reflect the growing interest in cross-border tourism and the significant economic and cultural ties between China and Kazakhstan. This development is expected to contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of the region.
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