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China has become a priority market in new tourism promotion efforts aimed at increasing visitor numbers to Gobeklitepe, the world-famous archaeological site in southeastern Türkiye that is often described as the “zero point of history” because of its age of around twelve thousand years.
Local tourism authorities believe that recent visa-free travel arrangements for Chinese citizens will help bring a noticeable rise in visitors from China starting in 2026, while longer-term promotional plans are already being shaped for the following years.
Gobeklitepe is located near the city of Sanliurfa, a historic center in southeastern Türkiye known for its deep archaeological layers and rich culinary culture. According to Sanliurfa Culture and Tourism Director Aydin Aslan, the introduction of visa-free travel for citizens of the People’s Republic of China is expected to make trips to the region easier and more appealing, especially for travelers interested in cultural heritage.
He pointed out that visitors from East Asia, and China in particular, tend to focus on culture-based travel rather than short leisure trips, which places Sanliurfa in a strong position.
Aslan explained that preparations have already been set in motion to welcome more Chinese visitors from the beginning of the new year. He emphasized that China represents one of the largest cultural tourism markets in the world and said the region has now turned toward that market more clearly. In his words, “Especially for 2026 and 2027, we will step up our promotional activities in China for the Sanliurfa Tas Tepeler Project,” referring to the wider archaeological initiative that includes Gobeklitepe and other prehistoric sites in the area.
For international readers, the Tas Tepeler, or “Stone Mounds,” project is a large-scale program that brings together several Neolithic excavation sites around Sanliurfa.
The tourism industry in Sanliurfa has also welcomed the expected increase in Chinese visitors. Tourism professional Muslim Coban underlined that Chinese travelers are among the most active international tourists worldwide and noted that interest in Sanliurfa existed even before visa requirements were lifted. He said the new travel arrangement is likely to turn that interest into higher visitor numbers from 2026 onward.
Coban also drew attention to the existing ties between China and the Tas Tepeler Project, stating that China has already been offering support both financially and through human resources. He added that Chinese visitors are known for enjoying travel experiences that combine sightseeing, photography, and local cuisine, all of which Sanliurfa can offer through its archaeological sites, historic areas, and distinctive food culture. For that reason, he said the city, Gobeklitepe, and nearby excavation areas are well suited to Chinese travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences.
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