Chinese tourists are seen at the historical Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Aug. 17, 2023. Istanbul, one of Türkiye's most visited cities, welcomed on Thursday its first Chinese tourist group after China lifted the group tour ban to Türkiye on Aug. 10. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua)
Istanbul, one of Türkiye's most visited cities, welcomed on Thursday its first Chinese tourist group after China lifted the group tour ban to Türkiye on Aug. 10.
The 12-member tour group will take an 8-day trip across Türkiye. Wu Jian, China's deputy consul general in Istanbul, accompanied the group to tour the historical Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by the iconic Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque.
Wu told the group that a series of meetings are being held between Turkish authorities and the Chinese consulate focusing on the safe and trouble-free traveling of Chinese tourists in this megacity with a population of around 16 million.
"We have updated and prepared a brochure in Chinese, listing precautions in Türkiye," Wu said, adding that "consular phone numbers and traffic maps are also provided."
The deputy consul assured the tourists that the consulate is of 24-hour availability.
Fu Tong, the tour leader, said Türkiye has become one of the top-rated outbound destinations for Chinese tourists, and the arrival number of Chinese tourists is expected to grow exponentially in the coming days.
After a three-day stay in Istanbul, the group will head to central Türkiye's Cappadocia, a famed scenic spot for hot air balloon tours.
Chinese tourists pose for photos at the historical Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Aug. 17, 2023. Istanbul, one of Türkiye's most visited cities, welcomed on Thursday its first Chinese tourist group after China lifted the group tour ban to Türkiye on Aug. 10. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua)
Liverpool get back on track with 4
How Will Xi's Visit to Xiong'an Reshape the Future of the Futuristic City?
Scenery of Zanda county, SW China's Tibet
Xi Holds Talks with Kazakh President
Mother of Australian surfers killed in Mexico gives moving tribute to sons
Xi Sends Greetings to Working People Nationwide Ahead of Int'l Workers' Day
Birds, locals in harmony under China's wetland conservation
Scenery of Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, N China's Hebei
Swayman stops 38 shots, Bruins roll past Panthers 5
Xi Extends Condolences to Angolan President over Disastrous Heavy Rains
Plane passenger reveals his hilarious take on what your seat selection means about your journey
Xi Replies to Letter from Students, Calling for Greater Contributions to Rural Revitalization