Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Birobidzhan, Russia, December 14, Xinhua — Tourism has become an important part of Russia's Jewish Autonomous Region's cooperation with China, and the recent decision by Russian authorities to waive visas for Chinese citizens will increase tourist flow. Maria Kostyuk, Governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region, stated this in a recent interview with Xinhua.
"I have no doubt that tourist flow will increase because Chinese tourists are very inquisitive. I'm already seeing an increase in the number of people wanting to visit the Jewish Autonomous Region. This is an example not just of cooperation, but of an understanding that we need to develop tourism in the region," she said.
As M. Kostyuk noted, the Jewish Autonomous Region is one of the leading Russian regions in terms of tourist growth. In 2024 alone, the number of tourists increased by 41%, including increased interest from Chinese citizens. "We see that our neighbors are also interested in the Jewish Autonomous Region. But to get them to come here, we understand that we need to show them what they would find interesting," the governor emphasized.
According to her, the Jewish Autonomous Region attracts tourists with its unique natural attractions, distinctive national culture, and diverse program offerings. "For example, we have the Kuldur sanatorium, famous for its healing mineral waters. But there's also industrial tourism. For example, you can visit the Kimkano-Sutarsky Mining and Processing Plant, the Kuldursky Brucite Mine, a graphite deposit, or a cement plant to see the history of industrial development in the Jewish Autonomous Region," the regional governor explained.
Ecotourism is well-developed in the Jewish Autonomous Region. It is home to a large underground karst cave complex and the Bastak State Nature Reserve, where the rare Manchurian crane nests.
Speaking about cultural tourism, M. Kostyuk noted that the Jewish Autonomous Region is an authentic territory, the world's first Jewish state-territorial entity. "When the young Jewish Autonomous Region was formed, everyone came here. The first collective farm with a million-plus employees was here, the first tractor and electricity appeared here. So, there's a very interesting history here, and when tourists from China come, they're specifically interested in the history of Jewish development, and we understand that this topic needs to be developed," the governor shared, noting that work is currently underway to create a museum dedicated to the history of Soviet Birobidzhan.
According to a Xinhua source, the visa-free regime between the countries opens up new opportunities for tourist exchanges and for exploring the cultures and traditions of Russia and China. "Recognizing that tourist flow is currently increasing, we are creating culinary tours so that Chinese tourists can come to the Jewish Autonomous Region and try things they can't in China, so they can truly experience the Jewish Autonomous Region," added M. Kostyuk, emphasizing that everything is being done to ensure that guests experience the most vivid emotions from Russian-Chinese friendship. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.