Pakistan beckons: Hidden jewel awaits Chinese tourists

In the rugged landscapes of Pakistan, the echoes of ancient civilizations whisper tales of splendor. Pakistan is extending an olive branch to tourists, inviting them to delve deep into its natural wonders, rich culture and historical treasures.

The Caretaker Minister of State for Tourism Syed Wasi Shah, in an exclusive phone conversation, disclosed Pakistan's grand vision for tourism.

2023 is the year both Pakistan and China have christened the Year of Tourism. "This collaboration is not merely a celebration; it's a foundation, a cornerstone for a new chapter in our efforts to amplify the tourism sector," said the minister.

Travelers from China can experience the heritage of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, worship at the rich collection of Sufi shrines and Buddhist monasteries, scale some of the highest mountains in the world, or experience natural beauty ranging from blossoming trees against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan to pristine beaches in Gwadar.

Pakistan's goal is to carve out a special place in their travel dreams, the minister added. "Our lands are blessed. From the sacred grounds of Takht-i-Bahi to the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro, from our vast Buddhist heritage to the mesmerizing Gandhara art collections in our museums, every corner tells a story."

Pakistan is certainly a heaven on Earth for tourists and Chinese tourists would find it their second home, he said. Authorities have made elaborate plans to attract people to explore Pakistan's tourist sites.

Strategic initiatives are underway; webinars connecting Chinese and Pakistani tour operators under the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation umbrella have been initiated to strengthen business-to-business collaborations.

A specialized training seminar, on tourism promotion for developing nations, ran in Beijing between Aug 22 and Sept 11. PTDC was represented by two officers, joined by a delegate from the Tourism Department of Gilgit Baltistan.

"As the Year of Tourism rolls on, Pakistan and China look set to weave a new tale together. A tale where wanderlust meets history, culture embraces modernity and two nations draw closer, one traveler at a time," Wasi Shah said.

As the morning sun casts a gentle glow over the ancient Buddhist sites of northern Punjab province and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it's not hard to imagine the allure these places hold for tourists from China.

According to the resident editor of The News, Aamir Ghauri, Pakistan is poised to showcase a tapestry of attractions for Chinese tourists, spanning the vestiges of ancient civilizations to Muslim heritage and the monumental remnants of Buddhism.

"Pakistan's tourism portfolio is brimming with unique offerings. Depending on their point of entry, Chinese tourists can explore some of the world's most pristine Buddhist heritage sites, cataloged on the UN's prestigious heritage list," Ghauri said.

A fervent traveler himself, he paints a vivid picture: "The Potohar region is a canvas of ancient Hindu edifices. Then there's Peshawar and Lahore, where the majestic echoes of the Mughal empire reverberate. And for the audacious souls, the towering peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan await, challenging them to touch the sky."

Ambitious plans

In a telephone conversation, the Minister of State and Chairman of the Prime Minister's Task Force for Gandhara Tourism Ramesh Kumar Vankwani revealed ambitious plans to heighten Pakistan's global tourism profile, with a special emphasis on attracting visitors from China.

"The Gandhara Corridor, currently in its nascent stages, is conceived to draw globe-trotters, particularly from China," he said. This venture, Vankwani added, would establish an air travel route between Islamabad and the capitals of Buddhist-majority nations. Upon landing at Islamabad International Airport, international Buddhist tourists can be ushered to Gandhara sites in collaboration with provincial agencies.

He delved into the annals of history, reminiscing the time when followers of Gautama Buddha journeyed across the towering, rugged cliffs of Gilgit-Baltistan, charting paths to lands as distant as China and Japan.

"Among the myriad attractions that dot our land, the Buddha Manthal Rock stands prominent. A cherished site for Tibetan worshippers, its mystique can captivate Chinese tourists," Vankwani pointed out, adding a historical tidbit: "Skardu was a linchpin in Buddhist Tibet's narrative. Even today, its essence resonates with that bygone era."

As Pakistan embarks on this journey to reclaim and showcase its historical and natural splendors, one thing is certain: it's ready to script a new chapter in global tourism, with China playing a lead role.

Nestled amid the rugged terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan, carvings of the Buddha stand etched on cliff faces, bearing silent testimony to ancient acts of faith. These images, whispers of a time gone by, present not only a rich history but a promising avenue for modern Chinese tourists.

As the sinews of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor tighten, binding the two nations in economic partnership, Pakistan finds its visitor books increasingly inscribed with Chinese names.

"Since CPEC's commencement, we've noticed a significant influx of Chinese nationals," said an official from Pakistan's tourism board. Their reasons vary from formal delegations to business explorations — and a sense of wanderlust.

Beyond the confines of urbanity, the vast expanse of Pakistan's northern realms beckons. A mosaic of snow-kissed peaks, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense pine forests craft a scene so breathtaking it can feel surreal. For the intrepid traveler, adventures in paragliding, para-skiing and mountaineering await, while the unique biodiversity promises something for nature enthusiasts.

But the allure of Pakistan isn't just its wilderness. Veering south from the Karakoram ranges, the ancient whispers grow louder, guiding travelers to historical landmarks such as Taxila, Mohenjo-daro, and Harappa. Each, a sentinel of time, bears tales spanning millennia.

The Gandhara civilization, a cradle of Buddhism, holds a special allure for Chinese visitors, connecting them to shared spiritual roots.

Ahmed Quraishi, a renowned Pakistani journalist with a penchant for adventure, weighs in on this blossoming relationship. "What we're witnessing is not just a diplomatic success but a cultural confluence. I find immense pride in how many Pakistanis and Chinese have embraced each other's languages, a testament to our growing camaraderie," he said.

He believes the exchange isn't just one-sided. "There's much we can absorb from China, especially in the realms of entertainment and tourism," he shares.

Painting a vivid tapestry of what awaits Chinese tourists, Quraishi said: "From towering peaks like K2 that challenge seasoned climbers to tranquil beaches that invite relaxation — Pakistan is an undiscovered gem. While our development may have been slow, our offerings, from desert jeep rallies to cultural events in the historic alleys of cities like Peshawar and Lahore, are unparalleled. And of course, no journey is complete without the modern marvel that is Islamabad."

In a significant move to bolster tourism and connectivity, Pakistan International Airlines has joined forces with Air China, opening new routes to 16 Chinese cities via Beijing.

Among the cities now accessible via PIA are major hubs such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan and Chengdu, as well as Chongqing, Changchun, Hangzhou and Harbin. A PIA official confirmed the development, emphasizing the airline's commitment to strengthening ties and promoting tourism between China and Pakistan.

"Pakistan International Airlines is ready to welcome Chinese friends," a spokesperson of PIA said.

With such a bouquet of experiences waiting, it's little wonder that for Chinese travelers, Pakistan is fast becoming the destination du jour.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.