Local people in the Kazakh capital Astana have shared their impressions of China and hailed the strong ties between the two sides as the Central Asian country once again welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping.
At the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi is currently paying a visit to Astana where he will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit from Monday to Wednesday.
China and Kazakhstan have shared long-standing amicable relations and in the heart of Astana, a gleaming skyscraper known as the "Beijing Tower" stands as a physical testament to the two countries' enduring friendship. For over a decade, this iconic mixed-use complex -- housing offices, hotels, and cultural spaces -- has symbolized the deep-rooted bond between the two nations.
In a series of interviews with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), local Kazakhs say they are increasingly embracing Chinese culture, with a growing number of people choosing to learn the Chinese language, which they say is driven by their curiosity and admiration for China.
"I actually love Chinese culture. I just love the painting art. I would like to go to Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai," said a resident.
"I really like the Chinese people. They're hardworking and smart. I also love the architecture and design there. China left a deep impression on me," said another local.
China and Kazakhstan are increasingly connected by bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects, as well as growing people-to-people exchanges. Many Kazakhs who have experience working in China or with Chinese firms spoke highly of the work environment.
"It's good, good conditions for work," said a young man working at a Chinese company.
The ties between China and Kazakhstan trace back over 2,000 years, when Zhang Qian, a royal emissary of China's Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD), embarked on a historic mission to the Western Regions. His journeys laid the foundation for the ancient Silk Road, fostering trade and cultural exchanges that shaped Eurasian history.
Today, this legacy thrives through 21st-century partnerships. In February 2024, the Kazakhstan Xi'an Terminal -- a flagship joint logistics project --was officially launched, streamlining cargo transport between the two nations.
China is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner. In 2024, the trade volume between China and Kazakhstan exceeded 43.8 billion U.S. dollars, a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase, and rail freight transported between the two countries surpassed 32 million tons to set a new record. China's investment stock in Kazakhstan reached 24 billion U.S. dollars.
Kazakh people share positive impressions of China
