[Text/Watchman Wang, edited by Zhao Qiankun]

From the I-16 fighter plane commemorative pin to the Leningrad Front commemorative medal, from a 1940s telescope model in a street antique shop to the bas-reliefs on the walls of Moscow subway stations... In recent days, those stories buried by time in Moscow have once again come into the eyes of today's people, and these historically vibrant fragments have been widely spread on Chinese social platforms and topped the hot search list.

On May 8, the joint statement of China and Russia pointed out that activities within the framework of the "China-Russia Cultural Year 2024-2025" will continue to be held at a high level. Both sides will deepen exchanges and cooperation in artistic performances, mutual exhibitions, libraries, art education, and creative industries. Continue to support events such as library forums, cultural festivals, Moscow "Happy Spring Festival," and the China-Russia Cultural Fair. Support the holding of "Moscow Festivals" in Beijing. Encourage representatives from both sides to participate in international music competitions such as the "Eurovision Song Contest" proposed by each other. Further strengthen local exchanges and better leverage the role of cultural centers established by both countries in each other's nations.

Night view of Moscow Visual China

Related information shows that between 2024 and 2025, hundreds of colorful cultural exchange activities are thriving in the two countries, building bridges of communication and effectively promoting cooperation and exchanges in multiple fields including tourism and culture between the two countries.

According to a recent report by the British "Travel Review," based on statistics from the Federal Security Service of Russia, in 2024, 1.57 million foreign citizens entered Russia for tourism purposes, with 848,000 visitors from China, accounting for half of the total leisure tourism numbers. This figure has surged 4.2 times compared to 2023's 200,000 visitors. China has become the main source of international tourists for Russia. Next are Germany (65,800 visits, up 21.2% year-on-year), the UAE (65,300 visits, up 53.6% year-on-year), Turkey (58,500 visits, up 23.2% year-on-year), etc.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko recently stated, "It is expected that the number of Chinese tourists in 2025 will continue to increase. Besides Moscow and St. Petersburg, cities like Murmansk, Novosibirsk, and Irkutsk will also see more Chinese tourists."

The report mentioned that to facilitate Chinese tourists, some airports and major attractions in Russian cities have Chinese signs, and some "popular restaurants" even provide Chinese menus. Direct flights have been opened between multiple cities in both countries, enhancing the enthusiasm of tourists traveling in both directions.

According to reports by the international travel industry media "Travel & Tourism World," historical landmarks, museums, and cultural experiences in Russia are most popular among Chinese tourists.

The report noted that with the continuous growth of tourist numbers from markets such as China, Germany, and the UAE, Russia has gained significant benefits in areas such as hotels, transportation, and cultural attractions. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg are the top choices for international travelers, while Siberia, Lake Baikal, and Sochi are increasingly attracting international tourists.

Russian tourism authorities are also promoting global marketing campaigns, relaxing visa policies, and establishing solid partnerships with key source markets—China, Germany, and Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, Russia is introducing sustainable tourism plans to protect its natural and cultural heritage while addressing the growing number of tourists.

While Chinese tourists are immersed in the fairy-tale architecture of Russia, a large number of Russian tourists have already flocked to China to enjoy breakfast in Beijing, sunshine in Sanya, and "check-ins" and "takings" at various scenic spots.

Sanya scenery Visual China

Statistics from the Russian Tourist Association show that as of March 2025, orders related to travel to China have surged by 25%. Some travel agencies have seen their order volumes grow by 200%, with approximately half of the bookings coming from families with children. China has become one of the most beloved destinations for Russian outbound tourists.

The Russian Travel Operators Association recently announced that as of May 2025, searches for outbound travel destinations on major online platforms in Russia ranked China eighth. In May this year, 2.5% of Russian tourists chose to vacation in China, compared to only 1% last year. This change reflects the increasing appeal of China in Russian outbound tourism and symbolizes the deepening interaction and engagement between the two countries.

According to data provided by FlightMaster to Guancha Network, in April this year, the number of round-trip flights between China and Russia was 1,903, an increase of 57% year-on-year. Domestic 20 cities can connect to 14 cities in Russia, with 54 routes, an increase of 19 routes compared to the same period last year.

Data provided by Ctrip to Guancha Network shows that during the May Day holiday this year, inbound tourism orders from Russia increased by 213%. The top five popular cities for Russian tourists visiting China were Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sanya, and Zhangjiajie.

A May 8 report by "Travel & Tourism World" noted that one reason why China is loved by Russians is the diversity of resort destinations and rich cultural connotations. Among them, Hainan's Sanya is rapidly becoming a popular destination for Russian tourists. Its charming beach scenery and advantageous geographical location make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. With the continuous expansion of direct flights from major Russian cities to Hainan and the ongoing optimization of the visa-free entry policy, this sun-drenched beautiful island has successfully topped the wishlist of Russian tourists.

An analyst from a Russian travel agency said that compared to traditional tourist destinations, Hainan Island is more convenient for Russian tourists. It implements a visa-free policy, has direct flights almost every day, and the prices are reasonable. "The average price of summer travel packages in China this year has dropped by 10% to 15% compared to last year."

The report noted that the sudden surge of interest in Sanya among Russian tourists stems from multiple advantages working together. In addition to the natural attractions such as sunshine and beaches, the good tourism environment, convenient transportation system, and friendly consumption scenarios provide Russian tourists with a blend of East and West holiday experiences, forming a core competitiveness aimed at international travelers including Russian tourists. This characteristic has transformed Sanya from a simple island resort into a composite vacation destination.

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Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502349990841369098/

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