As celebrations for the Chinese Spring Festival ushered in the Year of the Horse, Egyptian archaeological sites, museums and historic landscapes welcomed an enthusiastic influx of visitors from China, drawn by the country’s millennia-old heritage and expanding travel accessibility.
From the bustling avenues of Cairo’s historic core to the legendary pyramids of Giza, the temple complexes of Luxor and Aswan, and the serene coasts of the Red Sea, Chinese tourists immersed themselves in Egypt’s unparalleled cultural riches throughout the holiday period.
Travellers like Liu Dan from Guangzhou shared that their holiday itineraries were meticulously crafted to explore Egypt’s deep historical tapestry, including visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and ancient city districts – a testament to the enduring fascination Chinese visitors hold for Egypt’s layered civilizations.
Local guides fluent in Mandarin played a key role in enhancing the experience, reflecting Egypt’s efforts to tailor services for Chinese visitors and make cultural engagement more seamless.
- According to figures from the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, Chinese arrivals to the North African nation hit approximately 360,000 in 2025, marking a significant expansion in tourism exchange. Egyptian authorities envision that by 2028, 3 million Chinese tourists could visit annually – underscoring the scale of opportunity seen on both sides.
This surge in interest arrives amid a broader rebound in Egypt’s tourism industry, which recorded nearly 19 million international visitors in 2025 – up 21 % from the previous year – driven in part by improved facilities, diversified travel products and enhanced people-to-people interaction.
The Spring Festival travel pattern complements deeper cultural and economic cooperation between China and Egypt that spans several fronts:
- Cultural Exhibitions: A landmark exhibition titled “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” was held at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing 788 Egyptian relics and drawing millions of Chinese visitors – a vivid illustration of shared heritage appreciation and mutual curiosity.
- Tourism Partnerships: Egyptian roadshows in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have strengthened collaboration with Chinese travel agencies and industry partners, spotlighting Egypt’s attractions and nurturing market-specific tourism strategies.
- Language and Service Enhancements: To improve the visitor experience, Egyptian sites have added Chinese language signage and increased the availability of Chinese-speaking guides and cuisine options at key hospitality venues – efforts that support greater exchange and comfort for travellers.
- Direct Connectivity: Air travel links have expanded, with airlines operating direct routes between major Chinese cities and Cairo, facilitating stronger people-to-people ties and laying the groundwork for even more robust travel flows.
- Heritage Collaboration: Joint archaeological projects, such as the restoration of Karnak Temple and digital documentation of Saqqara coffins, reflect how cultural preservation and scholarly cooperation reinforce bilateral relations beyond commercial tourism.
The rising presence of Chinese visitors in Egypt during key holiday seasons showcases how tourism has become a vibrant connector between these two ancient civilisations. As both governments and private partners deepen cooperation across culture, transport and heritage sectors, the foundation for sustainable tourism and cultural diplomacy continues to strengthen – weaving new chapters into a relationship with roots that stretch back centuries.
