‘Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025’ aims to attract a larger number of Chinese tourists and deepen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Hong Raksmey
In a bid to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Cambodia and China, the Ministry of Tourism has laid out ambitious plans for the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025”.
The initiative, a result of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia in mid-April, aims to attract a larger number of Chinese tourists and deepen bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Chuk Chumno, director-general of Tourism Development and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed the launch of this significant campaign.
He shared details about the lineup of major events that will be organised as part of the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025”.
The events will showcase the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of both countries.
“These include an international music festival, an international street art festival, a mixed martial arts festival, food diplomacy promotion and the Cambodia-China International Tourism Conference, among others,” said Chumno.
To further attract Chinese tourists, cultural activities will be held in alignment with major Chinese holidays. Hong Raksmey
One of the highlights of this extensive programme is the tourism business matching forum, which is expected to facilitate deeper collaboration in the tourism sector.
The initiative will also feature the exchange of tourism goodwill ambassadors and promote Cambodia-China film tourism through targeted activities, including a planned visit by a Chinese media delegation.
Plans have also been laid out for an overland expedition from China which will culminate with a tour of the Kingdom, although details of the route were not available.
Chumno elaborated on the planned international music festival, which will be held either in Siem Reap province or Phnom Penh.
“It will serve as a cultural exchange between the two countries, showcasing the diversity of our artistic traditions,” he said.
In addition, a street art festival will feature a variety of performances, including traditional Cambodian Bassac theatre and Chinese opera, to engage audiences with both cultures.
In the first four months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed 380,000 Chinese visitors — a 48% increase from the same period in 2024. Hong Raksmey
A unique element of this collaboration is the special performance planned between two iconic characters from both nations’ folklore: the Monkey King Hanuman from Cambodia and the Monkey King Sun Wukong from China.
“We are curious to learn about the Chinese Monkey King and they are interested to know more about Hanuman,” Chumno explained, emphasising the shared cultural heritage.
In addition to the arts, martial arts will also play a key role in the exchange. Cambodia and China both boast rich traditions in martial arts, including Cambodia’s kun lbokator, yuthakun khom and Kun Khmer, and China’s kung fu, Shaolin, and tai chi.
These traditions will be highlighted throughout the year as part of the ongoing cultural dialogue.
To further attract Chinese tourists, the tourism ministry has aligned these events with China's major holidays, such as the Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week.
Tourism minister Huot Hak, the governor of China’s Jiangsu province and other Chinese officials chose the third quarter of the year for the events to ensure that the Chinese public has the opportunity to explore Cambodia during their vacation period.
A key aspect of the campaign will be food diplomacy, with both countries exchanging regional culinary delights.
“Cambodia will showcase its traditional dishes, including amok noodles, Khmer desserts and a variety of Khmer cakes,” said Chumno.
China will present its eight regional dishes, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote both cultures’ food traditions.
The cultural exchange and tourism collaboration was officially inaugurated at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh on May 23.
The opening ceremony included a special art performance, “The Beauty of Cambodia-Jiangsu”, which was held from May 23-25.
This event marked the beginning of a series of planned cultural showcases, strengthening the tourism links between the two nations.
The event aims to build on the existing relationship between the two countries, which has seen a notable rise in tourist exchanges.
In the first four months of 2025, Cambodia welcomed 380,000 Chinese visitors — a 48% increase from the same period in 2024.
Last year saw Cambodia welcome a total of 6,610,592 international tourists, including 848,952 from China, marking a 55% rise compared to the previous year.
