China Southern Airlines launched its direct flight service between Guangzhou City in south China and Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, on Monday, with 30 tourists boarding the maiden voyage.

The new route operates three times a week, with outbound flights departing Guangzhou at 19:35 (Beijing Time) every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Tashkent at 23:50 local time.

Return flights take off from Tashkent at 01:30 local time every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, landing in Guangzhou at 10:55 (Beijing Time) the following day. The flight duration is approximately seven hours.

The first tour group visited Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as one of the world's most ancient cities.
Compared to traditional connecting flights, the direct service saves travelers at least half a day, allowing them to have more time for deeper immersion in local culture.

This year, Guangzhou has progressively launched multiple direct routes to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, further boosting connectivity between China and the two central Asian countries.

"Both countries offer visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, coupled with the convenience of direct flights from Guangzhou, a combination that will greatly appeal to Chinese travelers," said Guan Jian, spokesman of a travel agency.

The new route has established an "Air Silk Road" for trade and cultural exchanges between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Central Asia.