China’s official Communist Party newspaper, “Renmin Ribao” (People’s Daily) has published an article headlined “Azerbaijan lures more Chinese tourists.”

The article noted that tourism exchange between Azerbaijan and China has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Citing the latest data from the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency, the publication reports that 57,000 Chinese tourists visited Azerbaijan in the first 10 months of 2025, representing a 49 percent year-on-year increase. “In 2024, the growth rate was 93 percent. At present, China ranks among the top 10 source countries for tourists coming to Azerbaijan, and tourism cooperation between China and Azerbaijan maintains positive development trends,” the article emphasized.

“Known as the “Land of Fire,” Azerbaijan is a crucial hub along the ancient Silk Road, rich in historical and cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. The ancient and modern architecture and art in Baku, the historical features and natural scenery of Gobustan’s rock carvings and mud volcanoes, as well as unique experiences such as salt cave therapy and oil baths, all form key tourism resources of Azerbaijan,” the article mentioned.

The author also emphasized that the increase in the number of tourists traveling from China to Azerbaijan is significantly influenced by Azerbaijan’s introduction, in July 2024, of a one-year unilateral visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, as well as the entry into force last July of the visa-free travel agreement between China and Azerbaijan for holders of ordinary passports.

The article quoted Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, as saying: “Azerbaijan places high value on the Chinese tourism market and hopes to enhance cooperation with China in the tourism industry. China is a strategic priority market for Azerbaijan’s tourism sector. Azerbaijan is currently enhancing its capacity to receive Chinese tourists through the “China Ready” Project.”

“Events have been held in several cities in China to promote Azerbaijan's tourism potential, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Cooperation with online travel platforms such as Ctrip and Qunar, and social media platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, Weibo and Xiaohongshu continues. The direct flights between the two countries provide significant support for tourism cooperation,” the article added.