A joint performance from a ‘Visit Cambodia-China 2024’ event in China. Tourism ministry
A special event will take place on the Phnom Penh riverside this weekend, when the pedestrianised “Walking Street” hosts the launch of the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025” with joint cultural performances.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the event will feature free public performances on Saturday and Sunday nights – May 24 and 25 – along Sisowath Quay, organised by the ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia.
The official opening will be held the night before at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall.
“This event stems from the official state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom of Cambodia from April 17 to 18, during which both governments agreed to designate 2025 as the ‘Cambodia-China Tourism Year,” said a ministry statement.
The ministry called on the public, tourism associations and operators, the private sector, media, domestic and international tourists, as well as other stakeholders, to take part in the festivities.
The cultural performances, accompanied by a showcase of talent, are not the first of their kind. Similar events have taken place multiple times in previous years, both in Cambodia and China. Notable performances include Kun Lbokotor (traditional Khmer martial arts) and Shaolin Kung Fu.
Chhort Bunthang, a tourism specialist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believed organising such events is beneficial for promoting tourism and investment between the two countries. However, the extent of its impact depends on tangible assessments.
“It’s difficult to measure how much these events can attract tourists, but doing something is better than doing nothing. When we organise them, there’s direct participation and promotion, both from official and unofficial media, which brings the event to the attention of Chinese, Khmer and global audiences,” he said.
“These events also demonstrate that the hosting countries have good security, order and peace, countering possible rumours of insecurity, theft or kidnapping,” Bunthang emphasised.
According to the tourism ministry, in 2024, Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international tourists, a nearly 23% increase over 2023. Of them, 848,952 were Chinese, accounting for 12% of the total and a 55% increase compared to the previous year.
