Kazakhstan expands tourism ties through events in Astana and rail routes to Xi’an
Almost 830 000 tourists visited Astana in the first half of 2026. Kazakhstan is also developing rail tourism through the Xi'an–Almaty route.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli3 min read
Almost 830 000 tourists visited Astana in the first half of 2026, 12% more than in the same period last year. At the same time, Kazakhstan is expanding its international tourism links, including through a new tourist train between Xi'an and Almaty.
About 187 000 visitors to Astana during this period were foreign tourists. Astana Deputy Akim Yevgeny Glotov reported this on September 18 at the opening of the 2026 Kazakhstan Tourism Forum in the capital.
According to him, the city is developing business, cultural, medical and event tourism. Astana receives more than 1.6 million tourists annually, while the number of visitors increases by an average of 10–12% a year.
“Astana has long ceased to be a city that people visit only for work. More than 1.6 million tourists come to the capital every year, and this flow increases by an average of 10–12% annually. Today, our task is to ensure that a guest who comes to Astana for a concert or business meeting stays longer and returns again,” Yevgeny Glotov said.
Event tourism remains one of the city's priorities. International concerts, sporting competitions, as well as major business and cultural events are used to attract visitors and increase the length of their stays. Astana's tourism infrastructure is also expanding through new attractions and international hotel brands.
Xi'an–Almaty rail route
At the same time, Kazakhstan is developing rail tourism links with China. An international tourist train on the Xi'an–Almaty route departed from Xi'an on September 14 and arrived in Almaty. The route passes through northwestern China and Xinjiang along the historic Silk Road, after which it crosses the Kazakhstan–China border at Khorgos.
Transport within Kazakhstan is provided by Passenger Transportation. A special timetable has been established for the international service, taking into account border procedures and the connection of the railway systems of the two countries.
“The development of tourist trains is of strategic importance to us. Railways make it possible to create comprehensive tourist routes connecting cities, regions, historical and natural sites. Our task is to develop this format jointly with foreign partners, expand the geography of travel across Kazakhstan and create a quality tourism product for passengers,” said Passenger Transportation Chairman Anuar Akhmetzhanov.
A cultural and sightseeing programme has been prepared for Chinese tourists arriving in Almaty. It includes the Independence Monument, the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, the Ascension Cathedral, the Central Mosque, Kok-Tobe, Shymbulak, the Central State Museum and other attractions.
The Xi'an–Almaty international tourist train was first launched by the Chinese side in 2025. In June 2026, the first service using trains of Kazakhstan's national carrier took place. The current trip became the second on this route in 2026.
Source: astanatimes.com
