Reference News Network, February 28 report (text by Huang He, Zhang Chaoqun, Chen Kaizi, Dong Xiaohong) In 2025, the visa exemption policy between China and Russia will be fully implemented. This measure not only further enhances the convenience of personnel exchanges between the two countries, but also ignites a surge in bilateral tourism, promotes continuous upgrades in service systems, and deepens people-to-people interactions day by day. From Red Square in Moscow to the blue sea beaches of Sanya, from the European-style architecture in St. Petersburg to the Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu, encounters and mutual understanding across borders are writing a new chapter in Sino-Russian friendship.

Eliminating the hassle of previous visa procedures

"The visa exemption policy has made travel so convenient. It only took me 10 days from planning to departure, finally realizing my dream of seeing the aurora." Zhang Shaojie, a Chinese tourist, shared his Russian trip with reporters while standing on the street in Moscow. Through the visa exemption policy, he first arrived at the Arctic city of Murmansk, where he was amazed by the spectacular aurora, then came to Moscow to experience the fusion of history and modernity. The magnificent scenery of the Arctic Ocean and the cultural heritage of Russia left him deeply impressed.

Since last year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Russia under the visa exemption policy has significantly increased, with their footprints spread throughout Russia. Zhao Zhiwei, who has visited Russia for the fifth time, said: "In the past, it required complicated visa procedures, but now we can just go whenever we want. Moreover, the entry process is especially smooth, and the Chinese signs and English assistance at the airport make traveling more convenient." He admitted that Soviet-style architecture, winter snowscapes, auroras, and whale watching are the main reasons why he and his friends have visited Russia multiple times.

Vice President of the Russian Tourism Operators Association Musikhin observed that Chinese tourists visiting Russia have shifted from traditional group tours to diversified travel options. There are solo travelers, families, and some trips even have an educational component, as tourists desire to explore local life details more deeply.

The arrival of Chinese tourists has also brought more vitality to Russian streets and alleys. In a retro photography studio near Moscow's Red Square, owner Ilya introduced that about 20% of customers are now Chinese tourists. They are warm-hearted and, when they see staff in traditional costumes, they actively approach for photos. Many tourists also use simple Russian greetings. To better serve Chinese tourists, the studio staff have learned Chinese phrases like "Happy New Year" and "beautiful," and have asked Chinese tourists to write the Chinese characters for "photography studio" to post up.

At the same time, Russian tourists have also increasingly chosen China as a travel destination, sparking a surge in tourism to China.

Hainan's Sanya, known for its warm climate and rich tourism resources, has become a top choice for Russian tourists during the winter season. Just one month after the implementation of the visa exemption policy, the daily average number of Russian tourists in Sanya's Dadao Tourist Area exceeded 3,000. By December alone, Shengda Travel Agency received over 25,000 Russian tourists, with most trips lasting at least a week, covering sightseeing, tasting food, taking high-speed trains, and experiencing traditional Chinese medicine. In 2024, Sanya's hotels accommodated approximately 170,000 Russian inbound tourists, which rose to 350,000 in 2025, showing a rapid growth trend.

"After landing, the entry process was very fast, taxis were easy to recognize, and the journey to the hotel was smooth," praised Russian tourist Alisa, who plans to enjoy a two-week holiday of sunshine and sandy beaches with her family.

In addition to Sanya, Chengdu has also become a "treasure destination" in the hearts of Russian tourists. Since the implementation of the visa exemption policy, more than 26,000 Russian tourists have entered through Chengdu's aviation port within three months. "No need to apply for a visa; filling out the entry card online takes just a few minutes, and the entire customs process is very smooth," said Russian traveler Letyukhaya, praising the process upon entry.

In Leshan, Svetlana, who has visited China for the 37th time, said: "The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest Buddha statue in the world, and all tourists should come and see it." Fazyrov, who has visited China for the third time, said that by visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, he has gained a deeper understanding of China's history and culture.

The expansion of air routes has provided strong support for this two-way tourism boom. Currently, Sanya has opened 11 direct international flights to 10 major Russian cities, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan, and will add new routes to cities such as Tyumen and Irkutsk in 2026. Chengdu has 83 regular international and regional direct flights, forming a "10-hour transcontinental, 5-hour Asian" travel circle, becoming an important hub for Sino-Russian personnel exchanges. Siberia Airlines of Russia has also increased flights between China and Russia. The combination of direct flights and the convenience of visa exemptions has truly realized "spontaneous cross-border vacations" for both countries' tourists.

Data from Russia also confirms this "mutual enthusiasm" trend. According to an online survey by Anketolog consulting company, 72% of Russian respondents expressed a desire to visit China. Maya Lomiz, Executive Director of the Russian Tourism Operators Association, predicts that the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Russia in the summer of 2026 may increase by about 30% compared to the same period last year.

Convenient services break down communication barriers

Beneath the tourism boom lies a continuously upgraded service system around the visa exemption policy between China and Russia. To make Chinese tourists' travels in Russia smoother, local authorities have optimized language communication, signage guidance, and payment services, conveying friendliness through details.

At Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, clear Chinese signs run through customs, security checks, and baggage claim areas. When handling bank card business, English assistance is available. Zhang Shaojie said that although he only knows a little basic Russian, translation software and the widespread Chinese guidance solved most communication problems. Occasionally encountering local staff who speak fluent Chinese made him feel particularly warm.

In popular Moscow attractions such as Red Square markets and museums, more and more merchants are beginning to learn Chinese. Small restaurant owners ask tour guides to teach them the Chinese names of dishes, and Red Square market staff Sarechev revealed that the store plans to add Chinese translations on product tags and price labels to help Chinese tourists understand product information.

The Russian government has also increased support for the tourism industry. Kontradiyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, stated that Russia plans to increase the number of foreign tourists entering the country to 16 million by 2030, with 5.7 million being Chinese tourists, accounting for about 35% of the total. Musikhin also said that Russia is actively improving its tourism reception capabilities, adding dedicated parking spaces for tour buses, and implementing localized service measures, which are currently being implemented.

In China, popular destinations such as Sanya and Chengdu have also launched "customized" services for Russian tourists, making their foreign journeys full of warmth.

Language communication is the primary challenge for foreign tourists. Sanya's "12345" government service hotline has specifically set up a Russian-speaking section. From 2024 to May 2025, the hotline has handled 623 cases involving foreign residents. The operators can not only answer questions about bus routes but also remind tourists about Russian annotations at bus stops. More than 100 hotels and 11 key scenic spots in the city have Russian-speaking guides and service staff. Bilingual (Chinese, English, and Russian) signboards are everywhere in airports, shopping centers, and scenic spots, and even fruit vendors on the roadside can accurately quote prices in Russian. The Sanya Dadao Tourist Area's visitor center is equipped with two translators who provide 16 types of services, including medical care, charging, and inquiries, ensuring that Russian tourists can promptly resolve any issues they encounter in the scenic area.

Chengdu focuses on simplifying entry procedures by launching an "online submission of foreigner entry cards" service. Tourists can complete the information submission via a mobile app in advance, combined with smart equipment at customs and a "dual pre-inspection" model for luggage, allowing entry passengers to complete customs checks in as little as 5 seconds. In terms of payments, Chengdu has collaborated with WeChat, Alipay, and UnionPay International to enable 21 overseas electronic wallets to make direct payments. Over 5,000 ATMs in the city support foreign card withdrawals, and the coverage rate of foreign card payments in key commercial areas exceeds 90%. Chengdu has also become the first city in central and western China capable of directly using foreign credit cards to ride subways and buses. Refund services have also been continuously upgraded, with Chengdu implementing a "centralized refund + individual store refund + online refund" comprehensive refund model. From January to November 2025, the number of exit tax refund transactions in Chengdu increased by 283%, driving a 142% growth in commodity sales revenue.

Moreover, "health and wellness tourism" is becoming a new highlight attracting Russian tourists to China. Sanya City TCM Hospital has launched TCM health and wellness programs combining tropical climate regulation with acupuncture and massage, with Russian interpreters and English-speaking doctors on duty. An international medical department has been established, and cooperation with several international insurance companies enables direct insurance payments. Many Russian tourists have come specifically to experience these treatments, and some stay for one or two months to enjoy "TCM wellness tourism." Jilin Province's Hunchun City, located at the border of China, Russia, and North Korea, has also launched a "TCM + wellness + vacation" package. The Hunchun City TCM Hospital has established an international business department and built a wellness center, attracting over 80 Russian tourists daily for experiences.

Adding new momentum to Sino-Russian cooperation

Now, the impact of the visa exemption policy has gone beyond cross-border tourism between China and Russia, extending into multiple fields such as business, culture, and education.

Egorova, a board member of the Russian grain processing company Melkom, which engages in Sino-Russian trade, said that the visa exemption policy will significantly reduce the time and communication costs between enterprises in the two countries. Zhou Liqun, President of the China-Russia Chamber of Commerce, believes that the visa exemption policy will allow business personnel to better capture potential business opportunities, injecting new vitality into bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Komlev, Chairman of the Russian digital social media platform company Hongruan, believes that the visa exemption policy will promote technological exchange, and the rapid development of certain technology sectors in China could drive demand in the Russian market. Meanwhile, Russia's deep-seated technology also has the potential to quickly integrate into the Chinese market.

Industry insiders say that from official-driven policy dividends to spontaneous friendly interactions, the Sino-Russian visa exemption policy is building a solid "bridge of people's hearts."

Regarding how to further promote this "mutual enthusiasm" in the future, Sun Qi, Executive Director of the Russian and Central Asian Research Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that both sides need to simultaneously improve flight and border passage capacity, language and payment environment, tourism quality and safety, and effectively convert policy advantages into sustainable benefits for the people and enterprises. Maxim Maslov, Dean of the School of Asia and Africa at Moscow State University, emphasized that the Russian tourism market needs to adapt to the consumption habits and leisure patterns of Chinese tourists, train more local professional guides, and provide accurate and in-depth information.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7611804893178888750/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.