INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The world and the West Asian region are undergoing rapid and significant changes, which could ultimately lead to the emergence of a new
regional and global order
Meanwhile, China and Iran are two key actors in these developments, each contributing in its own way.This dynamic necessitates a gradual
transformation in how Chinese and Iranian people perceive each other, as the relationship between the two countries now extends beyond mere
trade into more strategic and long-term partnerships
Cultural and tourism exchanges represent a low-risk yet high-reward avenue for deepening Sino-Iranian ties, offering substantial gains
across cultural, economic, security, and strategic dimensions.Both nations have significant potential to expand cooperation in cultural
As a result, 20 cooperation documents were signed between the two nations, two of which were specifically aimed at advancing tourism and
years, resulting in a wealthier population with a growing eagerness to travel abroad
While in the past, most Chinese tourists visited neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, today they are
increasingly venturing to more distant destinations, including Europe, the United States, and West Asia
In 2023, Chinese outbound tourism made a significant recovery, with 101 million cross-border trips, representing 60% of pre-pandemic levels
Furthermore, the China Tourism Academy indicated that outbound trips by Chinese tourists reached 130 million in 2024, signaling sustained
As a result, China designated Iran as one of its top six priority destinations for Chinese tourists
Indeed, bilateral cultural agreements not only promote cultural exchanges but also facilitate broader cooperation by establishing official
channels for further communication
As state-facilitated frameworks, they enable cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing
Given the political systems of Iran and China, these agreements have been particularly crucial in deepening strategic relations and
fostering cultural dialogue.The 25-year comprehensive cooperation plan serves as the cornerstone for Iran-China relations, guiding various
agreements, including those on tourism
Iran, spending an average of $1,000 each
To accommodate this, Iran introduced a visa-free policy for Chinese nationals and trained Chinese-speaking guides
The surge in demand was evident as agencies like U Tour sold out 13-day Iran tours, priced at 29,800 yuan ($4,333), within a day
Iran is enhancing accessibility for Chinese tourists by providing Chinese-language catalogs in museums to help visitors better understand
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage also plans to train hotel staff and chefs in Chinese language and cuisine, reflecting China's importance
pivotal in fortifying tourism and business relations between China and Iran
Since June 2019, Iran has unilaterally extended visa-free entry to Chinese nationals, including those from Hong Kong and Macau, for stays of
This initiative, aimed at facilitating both leisure and business travel, significantly streamlines entry requirements, mandating only a
passport valid for a minimum of six months
Additionally, dual passport holders may enter Iran visa-free using their Chinese passport, with mandatory travel insurance required for all
visitors.To circumvent the payment obstacles imposed by international sanctions, Iran has introduced alternative transaction platforms such
as Chinese applications, including Alipay and WeChat Pay, ensuring seamless financial transactions for Chinese tourists
The expansion of air connectivity has further consolidated bilateral ties, with Mahan Air operating direct flights between Tehran and key
Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou
The addition of new routes by Air China and China Southern Airlines is expected to further enhance travel between the two nations,
reinforcing the strategic importance of tourism and economic cooperation in their bilateral relationship.Social media, particularly
short-form videos, plays a vital role in shaping cross-cultural understanding among younger generations
strengthen its position as a crucial cultural partner for China.Enhancing the Sino-Iranian strategic partnership necessitates promoting
cultural and tourist interactions
Augmenting cultural outreach via festivals, exhibits, and seminars helps foster mutual understanding
Investment in tourism infrastructure, encompassing Chinese-language services and customized amenities, will enhance visitor attraction
Digital involvement through platforms and influencer partnerships may expand cultural discourse and reach younger demographics
Improved accessibility via direct flights and visa-exempt regulations would enhance cross-border movement
Academic exchanges and institutional partnerships will cultivate enduring ties
Emphasizing common historical narratives, such as the Silk Road, will strengthen connections and synchronize initiatives with the Belt and
These measures will enhance bilateral ties and promote shared economic, cultural, and, most significantly, strategic objectives
(Amir Mohammad Esmaeili is an author, researcher, and PhD candidate at the Middle East Studies Institute, Shanghai International Studies
