Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
XI'AN, October 13 (Xinhua) — The Global Women's Summit is taking place in Beijing from October 13 to 14. Stories of women striving to change the world for the better are particularly relevant. One such story is that of Russian Anna Viktorovna Samodolova, who founded a successful consulting company in China and contributed to the development of cultural and business exchanges between the two countries. The company, founded by this 27-year-old woman in Xi'an (the capital of Shaanxi Province, northwest China), has become the realization of a dream that began during her student years in Russia.
A CONSCIOUS PATH TO A DREAM
Anna decided to study Chinese in 2016 while still a student at a Russian university. She says her choice was driven by her interest in China's dynamic development.
Anna's first encounter with China took place in 2019 during a trip to Harbin (the capital of Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China), where she was impressed by the pace of economic growth and modern infrastructure projects. After completing her undergraduate degree, Anna entered the master's program at Xi'an Jiaotong University, majoring in Business Administration.
"When I arrived in China in 2022, I was surprised by how quickly the country had developed in just three years," she noted. After completing her studies, Anna decided to stay in Xi'an. "Here, I was able to realize my dream and found an international consulting company, ESPERO /Shaanxi Espero Network Technology Co., Ltd/."
A BRIDGE BETWEEN COUNTRIES
"For me, business is the freedom to choose and realize my ideas. My company's main goal is to become a bridge between China and other countries," Anna emphasized.
She admits that her first steps in entrepreneurship weren't easy. One of her first projects involved attempting to establish cooperation between a Moscow ice cream manufacturer and several Chinese companies. Although an agreement was not reached, the experience became an important step in her development.
Anna continued to improve her Chinese language skills and explore the nuances of doing business in China. Today, her company's activities span three main areas: educational consulting, business consulting, and tourism. Furthermore, last year, the company launched a new line of work: cultural exchanges.
One striking example of intercultural collaboration was a project involving the Russian rock band Garage Dayz. In August 2024, the band's producer approached Anna with a request to help introduce the band to the Chinese concert market.
Having no previous experience in the music industry, Anna organized negotiations with Chinese entertainment agents and helped establish communication between the concert organizer and the producer.
In April 2025, Garage Dayz played their first concert in Xi'an with the Chinese Symphony Orchestra, presenting the famous metal band Metallica's project, SYMPHONY AND METALLICA.
PERSONAL GROWTH AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION
"I'm growing as a specialist along with the company," Anna noted. In just a year and a half, her "brainchild" has not only helped dozens of students gain admission to their dream universities but also launched Anna Samodolova onto the international stage. She participated in the 2025 Eurasian Economic Forum, where she shared her views on the digital economy.
During her three and a half years in China, Anna not only achieved professional success but also deeply integrated into the local culture. "At first, I had a hard time adjusting to Chinese cuisine, but now I make traditional soup with silver tree mushroom and lotus seeds myself," she shared. She says Chinese cultural traditions have taken a special place in her life. She enjoys wearing hanfu (traditional Chinese dress) and studying the history of Xi'an.
Inspired by her example, Anna's parents also began learning Chinese online, and now they often greet each other in Chinese during phone conversations.
NEW PROJECTS AND PROSPECTS
As mutual contacts between China and Russia grow, Anna's company continues to expand. New initiatives include organizing a winter camp in China for Russian teenagers and developing a tourist route dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine.
"In recent years, more and more Russians have shown interest in traditional Chinese medicine. We're establishing a partnership with a hospital in Xi'an so tourists can experience Chinese massage and acupuncture," Anna noted.
“My entrepreneurial journey began in China, and I am truly grateful to this country and the city of Xi’an for the opportunities they have opened up for me,” she added. -0-
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