An additional convenience is direct flights to Beijing and Urumqi from Baku
Azerbaijan announced the introduction of a unilateral visa-free policy for one year for Chinese citizens, which marked a significant step towards deepening partnership between the two countries. This decision was made on July 3, 2024 at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana (Kazakhstan) after a joint statement by China and Azerbaijan on the establishment of a strategic partnership. This initiative not only highlights the rapid development of bilateral relations, but also opens up new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors. In recent years, Azerbaijan has become a very popular destination for tourists from China, partly due to convenient flights, simple visa procedures and a reputation as a dynamic cultural and business center. The arrival of Chinese travelers to Azerbaijan in the first half of 2024 increased 2.4 times compared to the same period in 2023. An additional convenience for Chinese tourists is the visa-free regime and direct flights to Beijing and Urumqi from Baku. Azerbaijan fascinates with its many tourist attractions: from UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the fortress city of Baku, the Gobustan cultural landscape of rock art, the Sheki Historical Center, the recently listed village of Khinalyg, the Ketch Yolu driving route to the wonders of nature in the City of Gabala. Located among the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, Gabala offers a serene place to relax with thermal springs, pristine lakes and invigorating outdoor activities. The cosmopolitan capital of Baku boasts many urban experiences, from museums and galleries to chic bars offering local wines and delicacies, as well as many restaurants offering traditional and international cuisine. In addition, MICE’s rich offerings (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) in Azerbaijan make it an ideal venue for events of any scale. The country has a 5-star Baku International Airport, which has received a Skytrax rating, many chain hotels and a variety of attractions such as the famous Flame Towers. Facilities such as the Baku Congress Center and the Heydar Aliyev Center further enhance the attractiveness of Azerbaijan by providing museums, exhibition complexes and multimedia conference halls for international conferences and events.
