Phnom penh: A new survey has revealed Cambodian youth's strong affinity for Chinese culture and tourism, a prominent researcher said on Saturday. Conducted recently by the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center (CMSRRC) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the Center for Cambodian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, the survey interviewed 2,200 Cambodian Gen Z youth.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the survey found that China emerged as the overwhelming favorite travel destination among Cambodian youth, with an impressive 92.2 percent of respondents expressing a desire to visit the country. This preference underscores China's unique appeal to Cambodian youth, driven by its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural landscapes. The advanced education system and diverse cuisine further enhance China's attractiveness.
The results highlighted that Beijing and Shanghai stood out as the most desired cities to visit, reflecting a dual interest in China's capital, known for its long history, and its modern financial hub. Cambodian youth hold a highly favorable view of Chinese tourists, perceiving them as the most respectful toward Cambodian culture.
Additionally, recognition of major Chinese festivals in Cambodia was exceptionally high. The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, was recognized by 96.7 percent of respondents, followed by the Qingming Festival (92.4 percent), and the Mid-Autumn Festival (86.2 percent).
The survey also indicated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has found a strong foothold among young Cambodians, with 70.8 percent expressing willingness to try TCM treatments. Of these, 96.1 percent believed in TCM's therapeutic efficacy to varying degrees.
Chinese films enjoy widespread popularity among Cambodian youth, with over 97 percent expressing interest. This enthusiasm underscores the soft power of Chinese culture and its ability to captivate and inspire Cambodian youth.
Youth exchange programs between Cambodia and China were seen as highly valuable by 89.4 percent of the respondents, particularly for educational opportunities. These programs offer Cambodian youth the chance to gain firsthand experience of Chinese culture, language, and education, fostering mutual understanding and personal growth.
"The overwhelming preference for China as a travel destination, coupled with the widespread recognition of Chinese festivals and the popularity of Chinese films, demonstrates the deep cultural resonance between the two nations," CMSRRC Director Neak Chandarith noted. He added that the openness to TCM and the enthusiasm for youth exchange programs further highlight the potential for even stronger people-to-people connections.
"By addressing information gaps and language barriers, Cambodia and China can build on this foundation of mutual interest and appreciation to foster deeper cultural and educational exchanges," he concluded.