Morocco is experiencing a significant rise in Chinese tourism, with visitors drawn to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and traditional cuisine.
One of the most visited attractions is the Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Morocco. Chinese tourists are frequently seen strolling through its narrow, dusty alleys and browsing local shops offering traditional handicrafts such as leather goods, copperware, and carved figurines.
“I chose Morocco mainly for its cultural richness,” said Xihao Chen, a visitor from Shanghai. “It blends Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. That diversity is what attracted me.”
Tour groups explore the ancient fortified village, climbing steep paths for panoramic views of the surrounding desert. For many, Morocco’s unique scenery is a major draw.
“The landscapes here are unlike anything in China,” noted Wu Xiao, a tour guide from Shanghai. “From the vast Sahara Desert described in Sanmao’s writings to the red walls of Marrakech and the ancient city of Fes, it all feels very exotic to Chinese tourists.”
Film and media are also influencing travel choices. Xiu Meng Qi, a tourist from Shandong Province, said a North African film inspired her trip. “I became fascinated with Casablanca and Moroccan culture after watching it,” she explained.
Tourism researcher Zoubir Bouhoute highlighted the dramatic rise in Chinese arrivals since Morocco dropped visa requirements in 2016. “Before then, fewer than 10,000 Chinese tourists visited annually. That number jumped to over 140,000 by 2019,” he said.
In addition to sightseeing, many Chinese travelers are eager to experience Moroccan cuisine. In Aït Ben Haddou, tourists sit down to meals featuring pumpkin soup, freshly baked bread, and traditional meat-and-prune tagine.
“I love the Moroccan bread,” said Judy Su from Shanghai. “It’s crisp on the outside but soft inside. Very delicious.”
After their meals and sightseeing, tourists board buses to continue their Moroccan journey—reflecting the growing appeal of the North African nation as a must-see destination for Chinese travelers.
