China Eastern Airlines has launched a new direct flight connecting Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwest China, with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital. This milestone enhances air connectivity between the two countries, supporting Malaysia’s growing tourism sector and strengthening cultural and economic ties. Combined with Malaysia’s extended visa-free policy for Chinese travelers, this new route is set to drive significant growth in visitor arrivals and deepen Malaysia-China tourism collaboration.

Tourism Malaysia proudly celebrates the launch of the first direct flight connecting Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwest China, with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s dynamic and multicultural capital. This new air service marks a pivotal advancement in strengthening tourism and economic exchanges between the two nations, opening fresh avenues for cultural interaction and business cooperation.

Lanzhou holds strategic importance as a major transportation and economic center in northwestern China. Its rapid development is propelled by rising incomes and a flourishing middle class eager to explore international destinations. Positioned along the historic Silk Road corridor, Lanzhou plays a key role in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to deepen connectivity between China, Central Asia, and global partners like Malaysia. The city’s enhanced accessibility is expected to encourage greater tourism flows and commercial engagement.

The newly inaugurated Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times a week, serviced by an Airbus A320 aircraft with a seating capacity of one hundred fifty-six passengers. This addition complements the existing daily flights between Kunming and Kuala Lumpur and represents the first-ever direct air link between Lanzhou and Malaysia. Furthermore, with connecting flights available through Kunming, the network expansion provides expanded access for travelers from other important Chinese cities to visit Malaysia, stimulating outbound tourism from China’s northwest regions.

The inaugural arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was met with enthusiastic greetings from key officials, including Mr. Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia. Representatives from China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Tourism Malaysia, and AeroDarat—the ground handling partner for the airline—joined in welcoming the flight, underscoring the cooperative spirit fueling this achievement.

This milestone reflects the shared dedication of Malaysia and China to deepen tourism and cultural ties. It also aligns with Malaysia’s strategic efforts to capitalize on the robust recovery of Chinese outbound travel following global travel disruptions. The partnership is a testament to both countries’ commitment to fostering mutual growth through travel and tourism.

In the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia experienced a remarkable influx of international visitors, totaling 10.1 million arrivals, which signified a twenty-two point two percent growth compared to the previous year. Chinese visitors accounted for over one million arrivals—specifically one million one hundred twenty-four thousand six hundred thirty-five—representing an impressive thirty-six point five percent year-over-year increase. These figures highlight China’s importance as a tourism market for Malaysia.

Additionally, the Malaysian government’s decision to extend its visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until December 2026 reinforces the country’s open-door approach to welcoming Chinese tourists. Alongside enhanced flight connectivity, this policy is expected to sustain and accelerate the growth in visitor numbers, generating substantial benefits for Malaysia’s tourism industry and broader economy.

These positive developments strengthen not only economic ties but also cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections between Malaysia and China. Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with Chinese partners and stakeholders to offer diverse, authentic, and memorable experiences for Chinese travelers throughout the country’s rich and varied destinations.

As the new Lanzhou-Kuala Lumpur flight becomes a gateway for greater travel and business exchanges, Tourism Malaysia envisions continued growth in arrivals from China, contributing to Malaysia’s status as a preferred travel destination in Southeast Asia. This direct connection symbolizes the bright future of Malaysia-China tourism collaboration and the promising opportunities that lie ahead.

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