China became Central Asia's largest trading partner in 2025, marking a new milestone in regional economic ties, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Last year, trade between China and Central Asian countries reached 106.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 12 percent year on year and outpacing the 2024 growth rate by six percentage points.
After five consecutive years of growth, trade between China and Central Asia exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars for the first time in history, noted the ministry.
As China emerged as the largest trading partner to Central Asian countries, the region's share of China's foreign trade further increased, the ministry added.
Exports from China grew 11 percent to 71.2 billion U.S. dollars, led by machinery, electronics and high-tech products, while imports from Central Asia rose 14 percent to 35.1 billion U.S. dollars, with a more diverse mix including chemicals, steel and agricultural goods.
Cross-border e-commerce between China and Central Asian states maintained rapid growth in the year, supported by strengthened logistics networks, cross-border payment systems and the launch of the China-Central Asia Trade Facilitation Cooperation Platform in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province.
The ministry also highlighted high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Key projects in connectivity, equipment manufacturing, green minerals and modern agriculture have boosted China's exports to Central Asia and supported industrial upgrading and economic revitalization across Central Asian countries, the ministry said.
China becomes Central Asia's largest trading partner in 2025
China becomes Central Asia's largest trading partner in 2025
An exciting wave of innovative winter tourism experiences is drawing visitors to the icy parts of China, as destinations transform ice and snow resources into immersive, experience-driven attractions that boost local consumption and development.
In Jiuru Mountain Scenic Area in Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, towering icefalls formed by the area's canyon terrain and sustained winter cold create a spectacular frozen landscape.
Covering around 30,000 square meters, dense icicles and ice curtains hang like crystal glass, offering visitors a prime viewing season.
This winter, the scenic area has creatively incorporated fire elements, installing more than 100 stoves and log cabins throughout the park, creating a unique scene with "a stove available every few steps and a wooden cabin every 100 meters."
"The experience is really amazing and far beyond my expectations," said a tourist named Tian Yujuan.
Beyond sightseeing, the tourist attraction has also introduced more than 20 creative handicraft studios where visitors can make sachets and chocolates, while its snow play park that features ice sleds and snow tubing has become especially popular with families.
Since the New Year's Day, both visitor numbers and operating revenues at the site have more than doubled year on year.
In Yinchuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, local attractions are also expanding winter offerings through a "snow and ice plus" model.
On the Yuehai Lake, tourists wearing specially designed red protective suits float calmly in icy water in an activity known as "ice floating". The suits feature heat-locking inner layers and high-buoyancy outer layers, ensuring warmth and safety, while on-site photography services use drones and cameras to capture the experience.
"On weekends, I am willing to come to nearby cities to experience this kind of effortless relaxation. I find it quite stress-relieving," said a tourist.
In Pingxiliang Village, a small mountain village in suburban Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, ice and snow tourism has become a catalyst for rural revitalization.
Once an extremely impoverished village, Pingxiliang has developed winter cultural tourism by leveraging local resources.
Nowadays, more than 80 percent of households in the village operate homestays, and 236 villagers work in tourism, with related income accounting for over 70 percent of the total revenue.
Meanwhile, at the Sayram Lake in Xinjiang, winter visitors are flocking to newly created blue ice waterfalls -- each about 10 meters high and covering a total area of 15,000 square meters.
Built by staff who erected supports and sprayed water starting in November, the frozen formations preserve the natural shape of cascading water, creating a striking man-made icefall.
Shared widely on social media, the blue ice waterfalls have become a new must-see destination for winter tourists to the Sayram Lake.
China's winter tourism blends ice landscapes with immersive experiences
