The lakes and mountains between the Mount Taishan Mountains in South Arles are natural, and the forests and lakes in Markakola have outstanding tourism talents. With the holding of the International Tourism Festival and the release of cooperation signals from the local community, China and Kazakhstan are jointly researching new cross-border tourism routes and exploring the potential for cultural and tourism development in border areas.

The tourism festival has kicked off

The first Markakul Oriental Pearl TV Tower International Tourism Festival was held in Ulunheka Village, Markakul District, East Kazakhstan, and attended by Nuremubet Sakhtakhanov, the governor of East Kazakhstan. The tourism festival aims to showcase the local natural scenery and folk culture, enhance the visibility of this area in the domestic and international tourism markets, and attract more attention from the outside world.

Planning cross-border routes

During the tourism festival, it was revealed that China and Kazakhstan are currently studying the construction of a cross-border tourism route in Kanas Markakule. The project is currently in the research and planning stage. The route plan aims to connect Kanas in Xinjiang, China and Markakule in Kazakhstan, integrating high-quality mountain and water resources from both regions to create a distinctive cross-border ecological tourism destination. The forest and mountainous resources of Lake Markakoule are abundant, providing a good foundation for the development of ecology and outdoor tourism. Keywords: Cross border tourism between China and Kazakhstan, cultural tourism synergy

Balancing ecological development

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Markakule National Nature Reserve, and the local community fully recognizes the contribution of the reserve in safeguarding the ecosystem of southern Altai. The local government adheres to the synchronous promotion of ecological protection and industrial development, and creates employment opportunities through attracting investment and entrepreneurship. This envisioned tourism channel will become a new attempt for tourism connectivity between China and western Kazakhstan, helping East Kazakhstan Oblast achieve diversified economic growth.Editor/Min Jing