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Hong Kong’s leading media outlet, RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong), has recognized Uzbekistan as an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers. In its report, the publication highlighted the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as one of the country’s key tourist attractions, noting that visitors from China, Europe, and Pakistan expressed high praise for Uzbekistan’s rich history, Islamic heritage, hospitable people, and unique cultural atmosphere. According to the tourists, the country’s openness to international tourism and the emergence of new cultural landmarks, particularly the Center of Islamic Civilization, are further increasing interest in Uzbekistan.

Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has long been one of those remarkable countries that remained relatively unknown to many people around the world. Today, however, it is being increasingly discovered by a new generation of international travelers, including visitors from China.

Speaking to RTHK correspondents at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, one of Tashkent’s most popular tourist destinations, travelers from various countries emphasized that the country is becoming increasingly convenient for tourism and is undoubtedly a place worth visiting.

A tourist surnamed Wang from China’s Shaanxi Province said that he was drawn to Uzbekistan by the combination of Soviet history and Islamic architecture.

“I wanted to experience what it was like to be in the fourth-largest republic of the former Soviet Union. I wanted to see how the country developed after gaining independence and what changes had taken place in its urban landscape,” he said.

“That is why I wanted to come here, explore the surroundings, and experience the unique culture of another country.”

Wang noted that traveling to Uzbekistan has become much easier today.

“There is a 30-day visa-free regime here,” he said, adding that he arrived via Almaty, Kazakhstan.

He also pointed out that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Uzbekistan has been steadily increasing over the past few years.

This sense of discovery is shared by European visitors as well.

Scottish tourist William Norton said:

“We didn’t know anyone who had been here before, so it was fascinating to come to a completely different place and experience an entirely different culture.”

However, he also mentioned some challenges.

“The main issue is the language barrier. We do not speak Uzbek or Russian, which would have been very helpful.

In addition, the limited public transportation options in Tashkent created some difficulties. Of course, the metro is quite convenient, and getting around in other cities of Uzbekistan, such as Samarkand, is easier.”

Despite this, Norton believes that these challenges are part of the destination’s unique appeal.

“If you visit some places in Europe that are actually less beautiful than this, they are often overcrowded. What I like here is that the atmosphere is much more peaceful.”

His travel companion, Christian Cannarella, agreed. According to him, their friends in Scotland were surprised by their decision to travel to Uzbekistan.

Cannarella noted that the people of Uzbekistan are exceptionally hospitable and that visiting the country’s historical landmarks was “an unparalleled experience.”

For tourists from other Muslim-majority countries, Uzbekistan’s appeal is closely linked to its shared cultural and historical heritage.

Ammar Nizamani from Pakistan said that he wanted to learn more about the common religious and historical ties between their countries.

According to him, he tries to travel to different countries whenever the opportunity arises.