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
Moscow, March 13 /Xinhua/ — "Lately, I've been increasingly surprised by how many waiters, museum staff, and other tourist attractions ask for help with pronunciation of Chinese words," said Dmitry Dobrolyubov, an experienced Moscow guide who has been studying Chinese for over 20 years. He was surprised not so much by the interest in the language as by the genuine desire to learn.
Enthusiasm grows daily. "It's not about tips," he explained. "People want to speak correctly."
In 2025, China and Russia launched a mutual visa-free regime for citizens of the two countries holding regular passports.
The visa-free regime has reduced the distance between the two countries, but most importantly, D. Dobrolyubov emphasized, it has brought people closer together.
RUSSIA WELCOMES CHINESE TOURISTS
This winter, when snow blanketed Moscow, visa-free travel opened the door to a steady flow of Chinese tourists.
Every day, you could see families with cameras, young people queuing for souvenirs, and elderly couples on Red Square. One day, D. Dobrolyubov counted more than 20 Chinese tourist groups in just a few minutes at the Kremlin walls. "This has never happened before," he noted.
"I celebrated my 22nd birthday under the Northern Lights with my new Russian friends. It was unforgettable," admitted Chinese tourist Zhao Zhiwei.
This was his fifth trip to Russia, but his first without a visa. "Entry was very easy, and there was Chinese-language support at the airport—everything was very convenient," he shared.
Just 10 days after planning her trip, Sun Yidan found herself in Moscow, caught in the heaviest snowfall in decades. For a native of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, where winters are mild and snowless, it was like a fairy tale.
“Thanks to the visa-free regime, I finally realized my dream of visiting the capital of Russia,” she said.
Zhang Shaojie shared his story. "When I realized I'd lost my phone, my heart sank. It was a foreign country, after all," he recalled.
Help arrived quickly. The taxi driver found the phone and personally tracked down the passenger to return it. They didn't speak the language, so they communicated with the help of a translator and basic English.
Employees of a photo studio near Red Square greet Chinese tourists in 19th-century costumes. "Xin nian kuai le! /Happy New Year!/" they greet them in Chinese.
According to Ilya, the photo studio's manager, the visa-free regime has more than doubled the number of Chinese visitors. "The friendly tourists from China have inspired our employees to learn Chinese to communicate more easily," he said.
A NEW LEVEL OF SERVICE IN CHINA
"Incredible! Everything went through customs quickly and without any problems," Anastasia Lebedeva shared her impressions.
Sanya, a tropical resort city in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan, now offers 11 direct flights to 10 major Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan.
Russian guests are greeted before they even leave the airport. Language assistance and multilingual signage are available in the visa-free entry zones.
"This is my third time in Sanya, and each time it gets easier," said Russian tourist Alisa. At the service center, she was able to call a taxi and get directions for her family. Seventy-six bus stops throughout the city have signs in Russian, and the city's hotline operates in Russian 24/7.
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is another favorite destination for Russian tourists. The city has significantly simplified its payment system by supporting 21 international e-wallets. Cash withdrawals and currency exchange are available at over 5,000 ATMs and 1,300 bank branches.
The 71-meter-tall Leshan Big Buddha, carved into rock over a thousand years ago and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was visited by over 356,000 foreign tourists in 2025.
Russian traveler Svetlana, visiting China for the 37th time, stood in awe before the giant statue. "Everyone should see this," she said.
To cope with the growing influx of tourists, Chengdu serves 83 scheduled air routes, ranking first in central and western China and fourth in the entire country.
The visa-free regime also boosted tourism related to traditional Chinese medicine. Alexey, a 53-year-old Russian, traveled to Hunchun in northeastern China to undergo moxibustion—a method of cauterizing acupressure points with mugwort cigars. This treatment helped him overcome insomnia and neck pain.
"I used to have constant numbness in my arms and legs, and I couldn't sleep properly. Now it's all gone," he said. The visa-free regime, Alexey added, allows for frequent visits.
MORE THAN TOURISM
"The visa-free regime between Russia and China has given impetus to tourism and public diplomacy and strengthened bilateral relations," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
In addition to tourism, the visa-free regime has deepened cooperation in various fields.
Zhang Heting, a project manager at ITE China, a leading organizer of international exhibitions, has become accustomed to easy travel between China and Russia in just over two months: a passport is now sufficient to cross the border. According to her, the visa-free travel policy significantly reduces the time it takes to prepare for trips. "Previously, it took weeks to organize, but now it's just a few days," she noted.
Maria Egorova, a member of the board of directors of the Russian agro-industrial group of companies Melkom, is convinced that a visa-free regime will significantly reduce business costs.
Zhou Liqun, Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia, noted that more frequent business contacts will open up new opportunities and boost trade and economic relations.
This year marks the start of the China-Russia Years of Education. "The visa-free regime significantly simplifies short-term study and research trips for Russian students and faculty," emphasized Zhao Chunlu, Minister Counselor for Education at the Chinese Embassy in Russia.
According to Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, the number of Chinese tourists in Russia increased by 23 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. A further 30 percent increase is expected in the summer of 2026. –0–
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