Icherisheher (Old City)
Icherisheher is the historic heart of Baku and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the old walls, narrow streets lead to small courtyards and cafés.
Azerbaijan · Baku
Baku is a good choice for a first trip to Azerbaijan. The city has a historic Old City, modern buildings and a long waterfront. Chinese travellers with a valid ordinary passport can enter without a visa.
Short video · Azerbaijan
See the Caspian waterfront, the Carpet Museum, the Flame Towers and Baku at night in just over 40 seconds.
Choose Chinese or English audio. The video does not start automatically. Chinese is selected when you first press play.
On-location footage: Josef Sibein, filmed in Baku in October 2026. Additional footage is used under the Pexels License. Read the full source list.
First-hand information · October 2026
Site owner Josef Sibein visited Azerbaijan in October 2026. Some tips about Baku, the Old City, transport and getting around come from first-hand experience. Entry and flight information has also been checked against official sources.
“I recommend Baku as a travel destination.” — Josef Sibein
Why visit Baku?
Baku is easy to explore and full of contrasts. The Old City, the Caspian waterfront and modern areas are close to each other. It is a good place to enjoy history, architecture and Azerbaijani culture in one trip.
Icherisheher is the historic heart of Baku and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the old walls, narrow streets lead to small courtyards and cafés.
The Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are two of the main sights. Take your time and explore the area on foot.
Baku Boulevard is a good place for a walk by the Caspian Sea. The evening is often the most pleasant time.
Old walls, oil-boom buildings, wide Soviet-era streets and modern towers often stand close together.
Culture and daily life
Baku lies in the Caucasus beside the Caspian Sea. The city has Azerbaijani and Turkic traditions, with Persian, Russian and Soviet influences. Tea is an important sign of hospitality. Carpet weaving and Mugham music are also part of the country’s culture.
Travel from China
As checked on 21 October 2026, China Southern flies nonstop from Urumqi to Baku. The 2026 summer schedule lists up to five flights a week. CZ6023 flies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday until 23 October 2026. CZ8199 flew on Tuesday and Sunday until 20 October 2026. The scheduled flight time is five hours. These flights are seasonal, so check the latest timetable before booking.
China Southern, nonstop from Urumqi to Baku.
The scheduled nonstop flight from Urumqi to Baku takes five hours.
The 2026 summer schedule had up to five flights a week. Days and frequency can change by season.
Entry and transport
With a valid ordinary Chinese passport, you can enter without a visa. You can stay for up to 30 days per trip and no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
If you stay more than 15 days, your address must be registered within 15 days after arrival. Registration is free. Ask your hotel or host if they can do it.
Bolt is available in Baku for city and airport rides. Before you confirm, check the pickup point, price, driver and number plate in the app.
The currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards are common in Baku, but some cash is useful. The Old City is best explored on foot.
Simple plan
Explore Icherisheher, the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs at an easy pace.
Walk along Baku Boulevard, then see the modern city and the Flame Towers.
Visit a museum or market and leave time for cafés, tea and everyday life in the city.
Map and official sources
Find the airport, the Old City and the Caspian waterfront, then check the latest entry and flight information.