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
Beijing, February 21 (Xinhua) — The year 2026 marks the almost-exact coincidence of major celebrations marking significant holidays in the cultures of China and Russia: the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival, or Chunjie) and Maslenitsa (Maslenitsa). At the ongoing "Moscow Maslenitsa in Beijing" festival, residents of both countries are joining forces to "farewell to winter and welcome spring," making good wishes for the future.
The Moscow Maslenitsa Festival in Beijing kicked off in Beijing's Chaoyang Park on February 19, filling the park with vibrant melodies and vibrant festive decorations that caught the eye of passersby. Russian performers enthusiastically interacted with the numerous visitors, including both locals and tourists.
"I couldn't even imagine that I'd be able to experience a cultural program featuring authentic Russian performances without leaving my hometown. It's simply magnificent!" shared an 82-year-old Beijing resident named He, who, along with her husband and granddaughter, happily posed for a photo with life-size matryoshka dolls. She added that she'd specifically chosen a smart red outfit for the event. During the conversation, He's grandmother involuntarily burst into song "Katyusha," drawing applause from the tourists nearby.
Nearby, in the "Moscow Estates" area, tourist Zhang Yijia tried on a traditional Russian costume and took a few souvenir photos. "This was a completely new experience for me celebrating the New Year; such an opportunity to experience the flavor of Russian culture is very interesting," she shared.
Maslenitsa is a traditional Russian holiday marking the end of winter and the welcome of spring. From February 19th to 22nd, the Moscow government and the Russian Embassy in China jointly host the "Moscow Maslenitsa in Beijing" festival, introducing Chinese citizens to Russian traditions of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring, as well as to Russia's festive culture, right in their own backyard.
"We're incredibly happy that this year Chinese New Year and our Maslenitsa festival are celebrated at almost the same time," shares Alexandra, an artist from Russia. Visiting China for the first time, she's filled with impressions and delight. She says she's spent a long time studying Chinese culture and is especially fortunate to be able to present a traditional Russian holiday in Beijing.
On stage, performers in colorful Russian costumes perform lively dances and cheerful songs. Locals and visitors alike stop by the themed art objects, such as a giant samovar, to take memorable photos. A line has formed in front of the "Moscow Cuisine" pavilion—the aroma of Russian baked goods wafting everywhere beckons passersby. Beijing resident Ms. Guo, holding her daughter's hand, has just received a serving of pancakes. "The atmosphere here is amazing, very lively!" she says. She had been to Moscow for work, and what she saw reminded her of pleasant memories.
In recent years, the Years of China-Russia Cooperation in Physical Culture and Sports, the Years of China-Russia Culture, and other thematic cross-cultural years between China and Russia have been held successively. According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, in 2025, tourist traffic from Russia to Beijing reached 504,900, an increase of 72.2 percent year-on-year.
"Culture is a rainbow that connects hearts, and tourism is a bridge that strengthens friendship," noted Guo Huigang, head of the Beijing Bureau of Culture and Tourism. The Moscow Maslenitsa festival in Beijing allows city residents to become more familiar with the charm of Russian culture and folk customs, which not only enriches the capital's tourism offerings during the Spring Festival but also promotes deeper exchanges and cooperation between the two cities.
At the festival's opening ceremony, the Moscow Tourism Committee and the Beijing City Administration of Culture and Tourism signed a memorandum of cooperation in tourism. The parties will intensify collaboration in key areas such as tourism promotion, industry exchanges, route development, and personnel training, improve regular cooperation mechanisms, and promote continuous improvement in the quality and level of tourism interactions between Beijing and Moscow.
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