How Is China Attracting Malaysian Tourists with Halal-Friendly Travel and Islamic Services?

China is rapidly positioning itself as a top destination for Muslim travelers, especially from Malaysia, by offering halal-friendly travel packages and promoting Islamic-friendly facilities. This strategic shift is part of China’s broader efforts to revive its tourism industry, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, China aims to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation in Southeast Asia.

The Chinese government has recognized the growing importance of the halal tourism sector and is actively working to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. With a rising demand for halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and Muslim-friendly services, China is capitalizing on this opportunity to attract tourists from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

Growing Interest in Halal-Friendly China

Interest in China as a travel destination among Muslim tourists, particularly from Malaysia, has surged in recent years. Industry analysts have noted a significant increase, with a 15% to 20% rise in Malay-Muslim tourists visiting China. This surge is attributed to improved halal offerings, easier visa regulations, and an increased focus on catering to Muslim travelers.

Destinations that were previously less popular among international tourists, such as Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Xi’an, have become key attractions for Muslim tourists. These regions offer rich Islamic cultural experiences, halal-friendly accommodations, and historical sites that appeal to Muslim travelers. The availability of halal-certified food and prayer facilities has made these destinations even more attractive to those looking for a comfortable and worry-free travel experience.

During a recent tourism fair held in Kuala Lumpur, halal-friendly travel packages to China were in high demand. According to Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the reopening of China to foreign tourists has ignited renewed interest, particularly from Muslim travelers.

“The post-pandemic era and China’s lifting of travel restrictions have driven this surge,” Wong explained. “With increasing awareness of halal-friendly facilities and food options, destinations like Xinjiang, Xi’an, and Ningxia are becoming prime locations for Muslim tourists.”

Xinjiang: A Controversial Yet Popular Destination

Xinjiang, a region known for its deep Islamic history, has become a focal point for Muslim tourists despite the controversy surrounding China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority. The U.S. government and other international organizations have accused China of committing “genocide” against the Uyghurs, claims that China has strongly denied. Nevertheless, Xinjiang’s rich Islamic heritage continues to attract Muslim tourists, who are drawn to its mosques, historical sites, and the iconic Silk Road.

Among the most popular attractions is the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, one of the largest and oldest mosques in China. The mosque, along with other historical Islamic sites, has become a significant draw for Muslim travelers looking to explore the region’s religious and cultural history.

While the international community debates the human rights situation in Xinjiang, many Muslim tourists from Malaysia and other countries have shown little hesitation in visiting the region. Travel agencies report that there has been no noticeable drop in interest from Muslim tourists despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

“We haven’t received any complaints or concerns from travelers regarding the situation in Xinjiang,” said Chong Yu Ken, vice president of MATTA. “China is becoming an even more attractive option for Muslim travelers due to the tightening of entry requirements in other Asian countries like South Korea and the high cost of travel to European destinations.”

Malaysia’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

Malaysia has maintained a cautious and neutral stance on the Uyghur issue, despite being a Muslim-majority nation. In 2022, Malaysia abstained from a United Nations vote that sought to debate China’s treatment of the Uyghurs, opting instead to focus on its diplomatic and economic ties with China. This neutral position reflects Malaysia’s desire to strengthen its relationship with China while also respecting the sentiments of its Muslim population.

In contrast, Malaysia has taken a more vocal stance on other international Muslim issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been particularly outspoken in criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, highlighting the different approaches Malaysia takes on global Muslim affairs. While Malaysia continues to avoid directly condemning China’s actions in Xinjiang, its leadership has demonstrated a commitment to protecting Muslim interests on the international stage.

Easier Visa Regulations Boost Travel

One of the key factors contributing to the surge in Malaysian Muslim tourists visiting China is the enhanced visa agreements between the two countries. During a visit to Kuala Lumpur in June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced new visa regulations that would allow Malaysian tourists to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This move has made travel to China more accessible and convenient for Malaysian tourists.

In addition to the extended visa-free period, China has also made it easier for Malaysian tourists to travel to lesser-known regions like Xinjiang and Ningxia. These areas, which are home to significant Muslim populations, offer unique cultural and religious experiences that appeal to Muslim travelers. By simplifying the visa process and promoting these regions, China is positioning itself as a top destination for halal-friendly tourism.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also advocated for further extending the visa-free period for Malaysians and pushing the expiration date to December 2026. This proposal is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with China and encourage more travel between the two nations.

Halal-Friendly Infrastructure in China

China has invested heavily in creating a halal-friendly infrastructure to cater to the growing number of Muslim tourists. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, an increasing number of restaurants are receiving halal certification. These establishments are required to follow strict Islamic dietary laws, ensuring that Muslim travelers can dine without worrying about cross-contamination with non-halal foods.

In addition to halal-certified restaurants, hotels, and resorts across China are now offering halal meals and prayer facilities. This shift has made it easier for Muslim tourists to navigate China’s vast regions without worrying about dietary restrictions or religious obligations. For many Muslim travelers, the availability of halal food is a critical factor in choosing a travel destination.

“For Muslim travelers, halal food is essential,” said Ong Tan Cheah, a consultant at Suka Travel, a travel agency that specializes in Muslim-friendly holidays to China. “More and more restaurants are getting halal certification, and in some of the less developed cities, local businesses are beginning to cater to Muslim tourists as well.”

The availability of halal food is also improving in smaller cities and rural areas, making China a more attractive destination for Muslim travelers who want to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. For Malaysian traveler Muhammad Nurabrar, who recently visited Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Yiwu, the growing availability of halal food was a welcome change.

“There are a lot of Arab restaurants and cafés in the major cities,” Nurabrar shared. “It’s not perfect yet, but it’s getting easier to find halal food.”

China’s Soft Power Strategy

China’s focus on attracting Muslim tourists is part of a broader soft power strategy aimed at boosting its global influence. According to Sam Huang, a professor of tourism at Edith Cowan University, China views tourism as a key component of its soft power approach. By catering to Muslim tourists and offering halal-friendly services, China is not only reviving its tourism sector but also strengthening its diplomatic ties with Muslim-majority countries.

“The Chinese government sees tourism as a smart diplomacy tool and part of its soft power strategy,” Huang explained. “By developing halal tourism and promoting Muslim-friendly destinations, China is fostering closer relationships with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.”

This strategy is evident in China’s promotion of regions like Xinjiang, where the government has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. Despite the controversy surrounding the region, the Chinese government has worked to present it as a safe and attractive destination for Muslim tourists. However, some critics have raised concerns about the ethics of promoting tourism in a region where human rights abuses have been reported.

The Future of Halal Tourism in China

As China continues to expand its halal-friendly offerings, the country is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Muslim tourists. With enhanced visa regulations, a growing number of halal-certified establishments, and a focus on Islamic cultural sites, China is well-positioned to attract Muslim travelers from around the world.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding regions like Xinjiang, the demand for halal-friendly travel to China remains strong. The Chinese government’s focus on tourism as part of its soft power strategy suggests that halal-friendly China will continue to grow as a key destination for Muslim travelers.

As the global halal tourism market expands, China’s efforts to cater to Muslim tourists could set a new standard for halal-friendly travel. By offering a combination of cultural experiences, halal-certified services, and convenient travel options, China is carving out a unique position in the global tourism industry.