Travel plans and cargo routes between Kazakhstan and China will face a temporary pause as all border checkpoints suspend operations on April 5, 2026, in observance of Qingming Festival.

The announcement was confirmed by the Russian Customs Service’s representative office at Kazakhstan’s Customs Service, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The annual holiday, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is widely observed across China, prompting the closure of cross-border road traffic for the day.

However, not all crossings will be affected. The Dostyk and Altynkol railway checkpoints will continue operating as usual, ensuring that rail freight movement remains uninterrupted.

Road checkpoints temporarily closed

The suspension will impact several key road checkpoints, including:

Bakhty (Abai region)

Maikapchagay (East Kazakhstan region)

Dostyk and Nur Zholy (Zhetysu region)

Kolzhat (Almaty region)

Authorities are urging both travelers and freight carriers to plan ahead and adjust their routes to avoid delays.

Growing trade, expanding infrastructure

The temporary shutdown comes amid increasing trade flows between Kazakhstan and China. Earlier this year, the Kazakh government reviewed rising freight volumes and explored ways to expand border capacity.

In parallel, new infrastructure projects are under consideration. Two additional checkpoints - Aike in Aitekebi district and Kiyaly in Martok district - could be developed along the Kazakhstan-Russia border in the Aktobe Region, signaling broader efforts to boost regional connectivity.