Chinese visitors have taken the lead at Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park, with arrivals climbing significantly in the first seven months of 2025. The latest figures confirm China’s position as the largest source of international holidaymakers to the Kingdom’s most iconic heritage site.
Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, said on Monday that the official statistics point to a clear upward trend. “According to Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority, 53,291 Chinese tourists visited its famous Angkor Archaeological Park in the first seven months of 2025, up 21 percent over the same period last year,” he said.
He noted that the momentum was particularly strong in July. “In July, China was the number one source of foreign holidaymakers to the Angkor, with 5,720 Chinese tourists sightseeing the ancient site,” Wang added.
The Ambassador expressed optimism that the growth would continue over the coming months, citing the importance of ongoing bilateral initiatives. “As 2025 has been declared the Cambodia-China Tourism Year, it is expected that the number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia will continue to grow throughout the year,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders in Siem Reap have welcomed the rise in Chinese arrivals, highlighting the impact on the local economy, where many livelihoods depend on international visitors. The Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains the centrepiece of Cambodia’s tourism industry, drawing travellers from around the globe.
Officials believe that with stronger flight connections, cultural exchange programmes, and joint promotional campaigns, the positive trend will not only boost the number of Chinese visitors but also support Cambodia’s wider strategy to diversify its tourism markets.
Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation with China as the Kingdom marked the 67th anniversary of diplomatic ties with a cultural performance themed “Wings of Peace” on Sunday evening.
The event, held at Morgan Tower on Koh Pich and co-organised by China Media Group (CMG) and the Cambodia-China Friendship Association, was presided over by Tourism Minister Huot Hak, under the high chairmanship of Ek Sam Ol, Privy Counsellor to His Majesty the King and President of the Cambodia–China Friendship Association. More than 350 Cambodian and Chinese guests, including dignitaries, business leaders, artists, and citizens, attended the celebration.
In his address, Hak expressed appreciation for the CMG initiative, describing the “Wings of Peace” performance as a reflection of the “steel friendship” between Cambodia and China. He underlined that peace was the foundation for tourism growth, noting Cambodia’s painful history of war and how the nation now values the opportunities that peace provides.
The minister also thanked the government of China, the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, and Ambassador Wang for their support in fostering peace and cooperation, including efforts that contributed to the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. He highlighted the role of Chinese friends in providing financial and material assistance to Cambodian families displaced along the border during recent conflict.
On behalf of the Cambodian people, Hak extended a warm welcome to Chinese visitors.
“I look forward to welcoming Chinese tourists who are full of love for peace, yearning for friendship, and eager to learn more about Cambodia’s rich culture,” he said. “Every visit by Chinese friends is a vivid demonstration of Cambodian-Chinese friendship and a strong impetus to the ‘wings of peace’.”
Tourism figures reinforce this growing bond. In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia received 3,710,000 international tourists, of which 690,000 were from China – marking a sharp 48.2 percent increase. The minister stressed that such momentum shows Cambodia remains a safe, peaceful, and attractive destination for international visitors.
Distinguished guests at the event included Venerable Yan Shu, President of the Cambodian Shaolin Cultural Centre; His Royal Highness Prince Sisowath Tesso, Director of the Bopha Devi Dance School; Lin Shi Qiang, President of the China-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce; Feng Hui, Managing Director of Cambodia-China Friendship Radio and CMG representative; and Lim Cheavutha, CEO of Fresh News Network.
Attendees remarked that the programme was more than a cultural showcase, describing it as a reflection of shared values and mutual understanding between the peoples of Cambodia and China.
“The ‘Wings of Peace’ art performance not only demonstrated the exchange and mutual learning of cultures between the two countries, but also expressed a strong belief in jointly building peace and friendship,” participants agreed.
As Cambodia celebrates nearly seven decades of relations with China, the growing flow of Chinese tourists is seen as both a symbol and a driver of deepening people-to-people ties, reinforcing tourism as a pillar of bilateral cooperation.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Lor Vichet, Vice-President of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), highlighted the role of modern payment systems in attracting visitors.
“One factor that helps increase Chinese tourism to visit the temple is that we provide convenience through the National Bank of Cambodia’s QR Code payment system,” he said. “This makes it easier for them to buy goods, souvenirs, and other expenses without having to exchange yuan for dollars before they come to Cambodia.”
Vichet also noted the significance of new infrastructure in supporting tourism growth. Cambodia will inaugurate the Techo International Airport, which is expected to accommodate 13 million passengers in its first phase.
“To attract more Chinese tourists, we need to encourage more direct flights to major Chinese provinces, both to and from the two countries,” he added.
In addition to transport improvements, Vichet stressed the importance of clear communication at tourist sites. “In tourist areas, we should include Chinese characters alongside Khmer and English to make it easier for Chinese visitors to learn about our attractions, culture, and history.”
“Many Chinese tourists find it difficult to ask for directions or information about tourist sites. Adding Chinese characters to cultural and historical attractions will help attract more tourists from China, especially those interested in studying culture and history,” he added. With these measures in place, authorities and business leaders hope Cambodia can further strengthen its appeal as a safe, destination for Chinese visitors.
