The China-Armenia visa-free agreement celebrated its sixth anniversary on January 22, 2026, marking a transformative chapter in cross-border mobility and cultural collaboration. Since its implementation in 2020, the pact has streamlined travel for business professionals, tourists, and academics, with Urumqi—the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region—emerging as a critical transit hub for journeys to Armenia and the Caucasus.
Urumqi’s upgraded infrastructure and strategic location have positioned it as a linchpin for Belt and Road connectivity, facilitating over 120,000 cross-border trips in 2025 alone. This surge in travel has catalyzed economic partnerships, particularly in logistics and tourism, while fostering grassroots exchanges between communities.
Analysts highlight the agreement’s role in deepening regional trust, with joint ventures in renewable energy and agriculture gaining traction. Meanwhile, cultural festivals in both nations this year will showcase shared heritage, further aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of people-centered development.
