Discover Istanbul — Where East Meets West
Explore Istanbul's rich culture, history, shopping and unique experiences with trusted local specialists.
Why Istanbul
Why Chinese travellers choose Istanbul
Unique Cultural Heritage
Where East meets West — Byzantine cathedrals, Ottoman mosques and Silk Road history in one city.
Shopping Opportunities
From luxury malls and designer boutiques to the iconic Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Historical Attractions
Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern — UNESCO heritage at every turn.
Family Experiences
Princes' Islands, Miniaturk, gentle Bosphorus cruises and family-friendly hotels with kids' clubs.
Safe Travel Environment
Tourist areas are well-policed and welcoming. Our local team is reachable 24/7 in English.
Licensed & Trusted
TÜRSAB-licensed agency with Mandarin-speaking guides on request and full WeChat / WhatsApp support.
Top Experiences
Top experiences
Bosphorus Cruise
Private yacht between Europe and Asia past Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions.
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Topkapi Palace
The Ottoman sultans' palace — sacred relics, harem chambers, jewels and treasury.
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Grand Bazaar
4,000 shops of carpets, jewellery, ceramics, lamps and authentic Turkish delights.
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Travel Information
Travel information for Chinese visitors
Flights From China
Direct flights from Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG) and Guangzhou (CAN) to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Air China — around 10–11 hours.
Visa Information
Chinese passport holders need a Turkish e-Visa or sticker visa. We can guide you through the online application process.
Mobile Internet & SIM Cards
We recommend a Turkcell, Vodafone or Türk Telekom tourist SIM at the airport, or an eSIM. WhatsApp, Google and Western apps work normally.
Payment Methods
UnionPay is accepted in many hotels and malls. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at growing numbers of merchants.
Local Customs
Modest dress is appreciated when visiting mosques (we provide scarves). Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard. Bargaining is welcome in bazaars.
Visiting Istanbul From China
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Turkey?
Yes. Chinese passport holders need a Turkish e-Visa or a sticker visa. The e-Visa is applied online via the official Turkish government portal — we can help you prepare the documents.
What direct flights are available from China?
Turkish Airlines and Air China operate direct flights from Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG) and Guangzhou (CAN) to Istanbul. Flight time is 10–11 hours.
Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay in Istanbul?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at a growing number of tourist-facing merchants, hotels and luxury stores. We recommend also having a Visa/Mastercard and some cash in Turkish Lira.
Do mobile apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps work in Turkey?
Yes. All Western apps including WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, Instagram and Gmail work normally in Turkey. We use WhatsApp for guest support.
Is Mandarin spoken in Istanbul?
Mandarin is spoken in luxury hotels, major shopping centres and by some guides. We provide Mandarin-speaking tour guides on request and offer 24/7 WeChat or WhatsApp support.
Is Istanbul safe for Chinese travellers?
Yes. Istanbul is one of the safest large cities for international visitors. Tourist areas are well-policed and our local team is on call 24/7.
How many days do I need to see Istanbul?
4 to 5 days lets you see the main highlights at a comfortable pace — Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus, shopping districts and a Princes' Islands day trip.
Is the food in Istanbul suitable for Chinese guests?
Yes — Turkish cuisine is rich and varied (kebabs, fresh seafood, meze, rice dishes). Chinese restaurants are also available in central districts if you prefer familiar flavours.
Do you arrange VIP airport transfers?
Yes. Mercedes V-Class or S-Class meet & greet at Istanbul Airport (IST) with bottled water, Wi-Fi and a Mandarin- or English-speaking driver on request.
What is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?
April–June and September–October offer the best weather. Summer is warm and lively; winter is mild and atmospheric with fewer crowds.
Get in touch
Plan your Istanbul trip with us
Share your travel dates, group size and what you'd love to experience. A local specialist will reply by email — usually within a few hours.
Have a question or a custom request?
Not ready to book? Ask us anything about this experience — dates, group size, language, dietary needs, private vehicle, anything. A local specialist will reply by email.
Prefer to chat? We're on WhatsApp.
Visa help, shopping tours, family routes or VIP transfers — message us anytime in Mandarin or English.