Kyrgyzstan to hold SCO Council on Sep 1; a look at its tourism dev.

The Council of Heads of State of the SCO member states will be held in Kyrgyzstan on September 1. China and Kyrgyzstan have had frequent exchanges in recent years, with direct flight routes established.

The local tourism industry is hoping for implementation of visa-free access for Chinese visitors to boost tourism development.

Swimming in the azure lake waters, and soaring through the sky on a paraglider, visitors can still enjoy sun and sand in Kyrgyzstan, even though it lies in the heart of the Eurasian continent, about 2,600 kilometres from ocean, making it the country farthest from any ocean in the world.

Lake Issyk-Kul, known as the pearl of central Asia, is the second largest alpine lake in the world, covering an area of over 6,000 square kilometres, roughly six times the size of Hong Kong.

A family of 14 visits the lake every year for their vacation.

Tourist from Uzbekistan ALEKS: “This lake is so hot, and the weather is so hot, mountains is so good, and we feel so good in this place.”

Tourist from Uzbekistan VIKTORIA: “I don’t thinks this is in a lake, it’s more seems like a sea. Feel surprised, because it’s very beautiful.”

Currently, Chinese mainland citizens still need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan, while visitors from Hong Kong and Macau can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

Air China launched direct flights last month between the two capitals. The local tourism industry is hoping for more facilitative measures for Chinese visitors to promote cultural and trade exchanges.

Travel agencies also remind that Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry is still in its early stages, with limited transportation and accommodation infrastructure, and independent travellers should plan thoroughly.