Qian Shihao, 29, an analyst in Shanghai, who visited Central Asia 10 months ago, his first overseas trip after the pandemic, said he wanted a destination off the beaten track after having traveled to more than 20 countries.

"I love visiting places with historical depth. I chose Samarkand because I hadn't come across anyone in my social circle who had been there. From there I explored other cities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan."

Qian said he was most impressed by the "history enthusiasts" he met during his 15-day trip.

"These Chinese tourists come to Central Asia intent on seeing history. They visit ancient ruins and cities that have vanished, and are often surrounded by grazing land or arid desert," he said.

"Locals are mostly blase about these surroundings, but for those Chinese tourists who come here with wide-open eyes there are invaluable fragments of history to be found.

"Here and there, you can even find shards with inscriptions on them. You'll never get this in Europe or Southeast Asia."