Russians were told about the impact of the visa-free regime between Russia and China

The introduction of a visa-free regime between Russia and China will significantly increase the tourist flow between the countries and strengthen cultural ties. This was reported on September 3 by the Chinese news site Guancha.

As specified in the article, in the first 30 minutes after the announcement, the demand for flights from Moscow to China increased fourfold. In addition, this summer Russia became one of the three leading source countries for tourists to China, while the number of travel bookings increased by 150%. Among the most popular destinations are Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Guangzhou and Harbin.

Russian tourists have long occupied an important place in Chinese tourism. In Sanya, for example, sellers are already learning Russian, and in Beijing, Russians are actively shopping. There is a growing demand for Russian-language excursions and services in Shanghai. Even in the small town of Hunchun, services for Russian-speaking visitors are actively developing. The new Vostok theme park, with a Russian design and cuisine, has become popular among family tourists from Russia.

"Over the past two years, the demand for Russian-language excursions in such iconic places as Bund, West Nanjing Street, Yuyuan and Shanghai Disneyland has increased significantly. More and more hotels and shopping districts are starting to introduce Russian—language signage, self-service systems with translation, and the ability to pay with foreign cards," the article says.

On the silk road: China introduces a visa-free regime for Russians from September 15

Russian citizens will be able to enter China using a regular passport.

In addition, China's popularity among Russian tourists is explained by several factors. First, it's accessibility: amid travel restrictions to Europe, the United States, and Japan due to sanctions, China has become one of the few friendly destinations. Secondly, the economic situation in Russia, despite the sanctions, remains stable. According to the World Bank, Russia's GDP grew by 4.1% and 4.3% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, allowing Russians to spend more on travel.

With the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russians, Chinese citizens will also be able to visit Russia without a visa for up to 30 days in the future. At the moment, a simplified procedure is in effect: from 2023, groups of 3 to 50 people can travel between countries without a visa for up to 21 days. In addition, the introduction of electronic visas for Chinese has greatly simplified the entry process.

As noted, trips to Lake Baikal, Moscow, Red Square and the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg will become easier than ever for Chinese tourists. This decision opens up new prospects for bilateral tourism between Russia and China, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

"The visa—free regime will become a powerful incentive for the development of tourism, allowing millions of people to discover the unique sights and traditions of both countries," the article concluded.

Head of international projects "Fly.Lyubov Voronina, managing director of the Let's Fly tour operator, told Izvestia on September 2 that the possibility of a visa-free visit to China would greatly simplify travel arrangements and increase the attractiveness of the destination.

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