People's Daily: Azerbaijan attracts more Chinese visitors as tourism booms

People’s Daily (Renmin Ribao), the official publication of the Communist Party of China, reports that Azerbaijan is intensifying efforts to attract Chinese tourists, highlighting the consistent growth in tourism ties between the two nations.

The report highlights the growing tourism exchanges between the two countries in recent years, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Citing data from Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, the article notes that in the first ten months of 2025, the country welcomed 57,000 Chinese visitors, a 49% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when growth had reached 93%. China now ranks among the top ten countries sending tourists to Azerbaijan, reflecting a positive trend in bilateral tourism cooperation.

Known as the “Land of Fire,” Azerbaijan is described as an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, offering a rich historical and cultural heritage alongside diverse natural landscapes. Tourists are drawn to Baku’s blend of ancient and modern architecture and art, local historical landmarks, and scenic attractions such as Gobustan’s rock carvings and mud volcanoes, as well as salt caves and oil baths that provide distinctive visitor experiences.

Azerbaijan’s visa reforms have played a key role in boosting Chinese arrivals. A unilateral visa-free regime for Chinese citizens was introduced in July 2024 for one year, followed by the implementation of a bilateral visa-free agreement for holders of ordinary passports in July 2025.

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, emphasized that China is a strategically important market. “Azerbaijan highly values the Chinese tourism market and aims to strengthen cooperation with China in this sector,” he said. The country is expanding its capacity to accommodate Chinese visitors through the China Ready initiative.

The article also highlighted promotional activities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as collaboration with online travel platforms such as Ctrip and Qunar. Social media platforms including WeChat, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu are being used to reach Chinese tourists. Direct flights between Azerbaijan and China are further supporting the growth of bilateral tourism.

By Vafa Guliyeva