Azerbaijan: A Land of Stunning Landscapes and Rich Culture
2024-05-05
Azerbaijan:
A Land of Stunning Landscapes and Rich Culture
Welcome to an exciting journey to a land of stunning landscapes and rich culture as we delve into Azerbaijan’s tourism potential. With its extraordinary transformations and unique offerings, Azerbaijan is a destination that inspires and captivates visitors from all across the globe. Whether you seek a hiking adventure through lush nature, rejuvenating wellness treatments at top resorts, or indulging in award-winning wine experiences and delicious traditional cuisine with Slow Food experiences, Azerbaijan has something to offer everyone. With direct flights from Beijing to Baku, your gateway to unforgettable Azerbaijani adventures just got closer! AZAL, Azerbaijan's largest airline, offers convenient bi-weekly flights, allowing travellers to reach the largest city in the Caucasus region.
01
Baku's Old City
CULTURE
The cosmopolitan capital Baku boasts historical sites, art galleries, shopping malls, and authentic restaurants with exquisite local cuisine. The city's architectural diversity includes the ancient UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), the futuristic Flame Towers, and Heydar Aliyev Center. Outside Baku, tourists can experience prehistoric life at Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, home to over 7,000 ancient petroglyphs, and the country's unique mud volcanoes, including the world's largest mud volcano, Toraghay.
02
Eco-Tourism
NATURE
Azerbaijan's biodiversity offers excellent opportunities for eco-tourism. Renovated hiking trails in the northern and north-western regions, including the legendary 97-km-long Transcaucasian Trail, offer a chance to experience the country's astonishing nature. For a truly nomadic experience, follow the hiking route to the UNESCO-listed village of Khinalig, located on a mountaintop 2,220 metres above sea level in the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Protected by the government as part of Khinalig Historical, Architectural and Ethnographical Reserve, this village offers breathtaking views of the Caucasian Mountains and immerses visitors in an authentic cultural experience.
Birdwatching is another aspect of Azerbaijan's eco-tourism, with more than 350 species recorded across various sites like Gizil Aghaj National Park,Nakhchivan and Mount Beshbarmag. A major advantage is the short distances between birdwatching sites, so that in a single day there is the unique opportunity to observe the endemics in the Caucasus Mountains and enjoy the ever-changing avian show of migratory species cruising along the western Caspian coastline near Mount Beshbarmag. The practice of birdwatching further demonstrates the uniqueness of the landscapes and habitats in Azerbaijan.
03
The Great Silk Road
HISTORY
Embark on a journey through Azerbaijan to discover the exquisite cultural experiences of the Great Silk Road. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sheki, a historic centre showcasing Sheki Khan’s Palace, cobblestone streets, and local crafts. Basgal Village, known for its traditional silk headscarves called‘kelaghayi’, and Lahij Village, home to over 40 enduring crafts, add to the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry. These locations offer a window into the legacy of the Great Silk Road, providing a unique exploration of Azerbaijan’s culture.
04
Food & Wine
TASTE
Azerbaijan’s unique geography has also given rise to some of the world’s most flavoursome produce, including mouthwatering fruits and vegetables, nuts and honey, juices and sweets. To preserve and celebrate this culinary heritage, the EU-funded Slow Food Travel programme promotes sustainable travel and boosts local societies by connecting farmers, producers, and artisans with hospitality businesses. At present, the programme covers the north-west of Azerbaijan, but it is expanding to the south, a region with a diverse selection of produce.
Azerbaijan, a cradle of winemaking, offers wine enthusiasts an exciting destination with its unique climate and grape varieties like Madrasa, Bayan Shira, and Shirvanshahi. Recognised by the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes, Azerbaijan invites visitors to enjoy wine tastings, local delicacies, and picturesque vineyard views. The Azerbaijani wine industry is poised to become a significant viticultural hub in the region. Notably, this year Azerbaijan has taken a step to join Slow Wine initiatives with its debut at the‘Slow Wine Fair’, emphasising the traditions of community winemaking.
05
Health & Wellness
WELLNESS
While in Azerbaijan,enhance your trip with a refreshing wellness experience. Travellers can restore their mind and soul at renowned wellness resorts scattered throughout the country. Experience authentic salt therapy at Duzdag, an underground sanatorium, or visit Naftalan for its healing oil baths. With over 30 thermal mineral water deposits, particularly near Gabala and Lankaran, Azerbaijan offers numerous opportunities for therapeutic and relaxing balneotherapy treatments. Further exploration reveals the black volcanic and sand beaches with calm waters of the Caspian Sea,casting glorious golden rays all across Lankaran.
Photos by Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Choosing Azerbaijan as your next travel destination promises to leave you in a state of awe and enrich your soul with exceptional experiences found nowhere else. To easily plan your perfect adventure, head to www.azerbaijan.travel for more information.
Meet you on 16-18 May 2024
in Guangzhou at GITF2024
A020, Hall 16.2