Cambodia–China Street Arts Festival Draws Crowds, Boosting Tourism Ties

SIEM REAP, March 23, 2026 (KPT) — The Cambodia–China International Street Arts Festival drew thousands of visitors to Siem Reap over the weekend, underscoring growing tourism ties between the two countries under the Cambodia–China Tourism Year 2026, officials said Sunday.

The event, staged along the city’s popular Pub Street, was co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. More than 3,000 participants—including tourists, residents, students, and officials—joined the festivities.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak presided over the festival, joined by senior officials, provincial representatives, and youth groups. Ngouv Sengkak, speaking on behalf of the Siem Reap governor, highlighted the province’s focus on “experiential tourism,” offering immersive cultural experiences through arts, traditions, cuisine, and heritage.

Performances showcased Cambodia’s cultural identity while strengthening people-to-people exchanges with China. Minister Huot Hak praised China’s support for Cambodia’s tourism sector, noting that such events help boost arrivals and deepen cooperation.

He described tourism as Cambodia’s “green gold,” vital for jobs, incomes, growth, and heritage preservation, and urged stakeholders to promote the Kingdom as a safe and welcoming destination, citing the “Cambodian smile” as a draw for international visitors.

Cambodia received 5.6 million international tourists in 2025, including 1.2 million Chinese—up nearly 42 percent—making China the second-largest source market. In the first two months of 2026, arrivals reached 700,000, with 150,000 from China.

To further spur flows, Cambodia will grant visa-free entry to Chinese passport holders from June 15 to October 15, 2026, as part of the tourism year initiative.