The Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan is a hidden gem that is fast being discovered by a new generation of international travellers, including those from China.

At the Center for Islamic Civilization, a popular tourist attraction in the capital Tashkent, a cross-section of tourists told RTHK that the country is becoming increasingly accessible and a must-visit destination.

A traveller from Shaanxi province in China, surnamed Wang, said he was attracted by a blend of post-Soviet history and Islamic architecture.

"I just want to experience the fourth largest republic of the former Soviet Union. Just to see how they've developed since breaking away from the Soviet Union, and to see what changes have taken place in the city's appearance," he said.

"So I came to stroll around and take a look, just to experience the different culture of another country."

Wang noted that travel has become significantly easier.

"It’s visa-free for 30 days," he explained, having arrived via Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Wang also noted that more Chinese people have been visiting Uzbekistan in the past few years.

That sense of discovery is echoed by European visitors.

"We didn’t know anyone else who has been here, so it was really exciting to come somewhere completely different and experience a completely different culture," said William Norton, a tourist from Scotland.

But he also met some challenges.

"Language is the main one – we don’t speak Uzbek or Russian, which would help a lot.

"Apart from that, obviously the lack of public transport as well has been a little bit of a problem in Tashkent. The metro is easier, however, in other places in Uzbekistan like Samarkand."

Yet, for Norton, those very challenges are part of the charm.

"You go to other places in Europe that are equally as beautiful if not less beautiful and they are absolutely rammed with people, so it's nice that it's a little bit quieter here."

His travel companion, Christian Cannarella, agreed, saying their friends back in Scotland were surprised by their travel plans.

He said people in Uzbekistan have been very welcoming and visiting the landmarks is an "incredible" experience.

For travellers from other Islamic nations, the attraction lies in the shared cultural heritage.

Ammar Nizamani, visiting from Pakistan, said he wanted to find out what they have in common in faith and history.

He said he tries to visit different countries whenever he has the chance.


Edited by Robert Kemp