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
At this significant time, the successful conclusion of the China-Russia Years of Culture (2024–2025) and the beginning of the Cross Years of Education (2026–2027), the Russian Cultural Center (RCC) in Beijing, as a key platform for bilateral humanitarian cooperation, remains indispensable. We recently conducted an exclusive interview with the Center's Director, Tatyana Borisovna Urzhumtseva. She believes the RCC is more than just a showcase for Russian culture, but a "living, responsive, and modern bridge" that not only preserves classical literary and artistic heritage but also opens up new horizons for youth exchanges and scientific and technical cooperation in the digital age. We present a transcript of the conversation.
Question: Russia and China have a tradition of holding mutual national years. In 2024–2025, Russia and China held the Years of Culture. During this period, your center organized numerous cultural exchange events. How do you assess the results of these events, and what role do they play in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries?
Answer: The Russian Cultural Center in Beijing (RCC) has become a key operational platform for the Russia-China Cross-Cultural Years (2024–2025). Its work has been highly praised for its scale and quality. Among the major events organized and held by the Center are the "Golden Key" All-China Russian Language and Culture Competition, an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Maya Plisetskaya, master classes by GITIS and the Mikhailovsky Ballet, the "A Word about the Russian Heart" cultural festival, and many others. The Center has become a magnet for all those interested in Russia and an important hub for public diplomacy, particularly in the year marking the 100th anniversary of Russian public diplomacy.
Thus, during the Year of Culture, the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing successfully fulfilled its role as the main operator, translating political will into hundreds of tangible events. Its work extends beyond individual festivals, laying the foundation for long-term mutual understanding through culture, education, youth exchanges, and joint projects.
Question: The Years of Education between Russia and China will be held in 2026–2027. From the Cultural Center's perspective, how can cultural and educational exchanges complement each other? As an important platform for educational cooperation between Russia and China, what regular events does your center hold to promote languages (e.g., Russian language tests, the "Chinese Language Bridge" competition) and provide education services abroad?
Answer: The upcoming Years of Russia and China (2026-2027) offer excellent opportunities to deepen our cooperation.
From our perspective, cultural and educational exchange are two sides of the same coin and naturally reinforce each other. Culture creates interest, an emotional connection, and an understanding of the values of another country, which serves as the strongest motivation for language learning and education. For example, in mid-January, we announced a choir open to all interested individuals. A large number of people, including adults and children, Russian and Chinese citizens, showed up. Classes began. The choir members immediately expressed a desire to learn Russian so they could sing Russian songs with full understanding.
In turn, systematic education, especially language education, enables a deeper and more meaningful understanding of culture, history, and contemporary life. Our goal is to create common ground where a love of Russian art or music develops into a desire to read Pushkin in the original, and an interest in Russian science leads to a choice of university.
Regarding the Center's regular events, which serve as an important platform for humanitarian cooperation, our work focuses on several key areas. These include promoting the Russian language and introducing Russian culture. The "Golden Key" All-China Russian Language and Culture Competition has already become one of the most significant projects for Chinese schoolchildren, students, and graduates. We also host numerous online competitions. In particular, we recently announced a competition for the best translation of M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin's fairy tales as part of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The center offers regular Russian language courses, as well as themed events such as "Russian Language Week," dedicated to the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, which includes open lessons and recitation competitions.
We organize large-scale events, festivals, exhibitions, film screenings, and literary evenings that immerse audiences in cultural contexts and create an environment for language practice.
In the field of education, the Center provides information support and consultations on studying in Russia, helps with choosing a university and program, and advises on document processing.
We regularly host traveling exhibitions of Russian universities in various cities across China. This year, we also planned a major educational tour of China's provinces. The Center selects candidates for study at Russian universities, funded by the Russian federal budget. We also support the activities of 15 specialized university associations in both countries and participate in organizing scientific forums.
In light of the decisions made at the 30th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government to expand academic exchanges and support language learning, the Center plans to: expand the geography and scope of educational exhibitions; develop new formats, such as joint winter and summer schools, online seminars for applicants, and adaptation courses for students traveling to Russia; strengthen work with alumni associations of Russian universities; and continue the integration of Russian and Chinese educational organizations through specialized associations, scientific forums, and other initiatives.
In 2025, we moved to a new, modern building with spacious exhibition halls and auditoriums equipped with modern technology, which will significantly increase our capacity for hosting events.
We are confident that the Years of Education will be a logical continuation and deepening of the successful experience of the cross-cultural Years of Culture (2024-2025). The Russian Cultural Center in Beijing stands ready to be an energetic guide, supporter, and inspiration for all who wish to connect their future with Russia through education and mutual understanding.
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Question: Russia recently introduced a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens, and now the two countries have a reciprocal visa-free policy. How do you assess the impact of this policy on humanitarian exchanges, as well as the current state and potential for developing tourism ties between Russia and China? What specific plans or proposals does the Center for the Promotion of Russian Tourism Resources and Strengthening Cooperation between Tourism Organizations and Local Authorities of the Two Countries have?
Answer: With the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime between Russia and China, as statistics from recent months show, cooperation between the two countries has experienced a significant boost. This policy not only simplifies travel but also has a multifaceted impact on humanitarian exchanges and the tourism industry. In terms of tourism, this has already led not only to an increase in tourist flow to both Russia and China but also to an expansion of travel geography and a diversification of travel formats (in addition to standard tours, new areas are developing, such as business tourism, event tourism, medical and health tourism, and others). New tourism products are emerging, such as the "Amber Route of Russia."
In this regard, the importance of personnel training is growing. The Russian Cultural Center in Beijing is ready to offer assistance in this area by offering advanced training courses in Russian for Chinese guides and interpreters. The "Magnificent Beijing" program has already been launched. Materials are being developed for guides in Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou. We invite the Chinese tourism community to collaborate.
Question: As we know, 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing. How would you describe the Center's key achievements in China over these 15 years?
Answer: The main achievements of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing over the past 15 years can be characterized by the following key words and phrases, which reflect its multifaceted role:
The Golden Bridge Center has become a link in the humanitarian and educational spaces of the two countries, helping to overcome differences.
"A Platform for Dialogue" – The Center has become an important platform for open dialogue and the exchange of opinions and ideas between Russia and China.
"Keeper of Traditions" – The Center actively preserves, presents, and popularizes Russian cultural heritage in China.
The Creative Laboratory is where a variety of innovative projects in the fields of culture, art, and education are created and implemented.
“Home” – for many Chinese friends, the Center has become a home, a starting point for getting to know Russia and establishing strong ties.
"Center of Attraction" – The Center has become a popular and sought-after destination for anyone interested in Russia, its language, and culture.
Over the past 15 years, the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing has transformed from a representative institution into a dynamic, sought-after "bridge of friendship," not only introducing Chinese audiences to Russia but also creating a space for joint creativity, professional dialogue, and the strengthening of long-term human ties.
Question: As the director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, how would you describe the Center's unique role in promoting Russian culture in China? What changes and ongoing interests have you observed in the Chinese public regarding Russian culture in recent years? What measures is the Center taking in this regard?
Answer: Our Center's unique role is to serve as a vibrant, responsive, and contemporary "bridge." We combine our role as a guardian of the great traditions of Russian culture with that of an incubator for new ideas and formats of dialogue. Seeing the growing interest of Chinese audiences—from classical ballet to digital art—we respond by creating spaces (both physical and virtual) for encounters, cultural exploration, and shared creativity. Our goal is not simply to inform, but to engage, so that mutual interest can develop into deep understanding and lasting friendships between new generations of Russians and Chinese.
Question: As far as we know, you have a deep understanding of China and a deep knowledge of Chinese culture. What changes in the mutual cultural perceptions of Russians and Chinese have you noticed during your time working in China? Could you share a story from your public diplomacy experience that most touched you? What advice would you give to Chinese people who want to gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture?
Answer: My work in China has become more than just a professional endeavor for me; it's also a personal immersion and a discovery of new facets of cultural interaction between our countries. Over the years, I've witnessed a qualitative transformation. Allow me to share my observations. Previously, perceptions were often reduced to a set of clichés: matryoshka dolls, ballet, vodka, and bears on one side, and the Great Wall of China, kung fu, and Confucius on the other. Today, both Russians and Chinese are showing a deep, nuanced interest. Chinese audiences are captivated not only by classical Russian literature but also by contemporary cinema, independent music, contemporary philosophy, and Russia's IT culture. In Russia, meanwhile, there's been a real boom in interest not only in traditional Chinese art but also in contemporary architecture, tech startups, and the local culinary traditions of various provinces.
In 2025, Russia celebrated the 100th anniversary of public diplomacy, and Rossotrudnichestvo played a key role in this process. For me personally, public diplomacy is when the culture of one country becomes the key to understanding their own soul and history for people in another. Public diplomacy is when you suddenly hear contemporary Russian music playing in a taxi, or when a woman passing by has "Moscow Nights" as her ringtone, or when ordinary visitors join students singing "Katyusha" at a museum, or when a group of people sitting at a nearby restaurant raise their glasses and shout "Hurray!"
What would I advise our Chinese friends:
After becoming familiar with classical works of literature, fine art, and music, turn to contemporary authors.
Immerse yourself in the language. Even a basic knowledge of Russian will open the door to a world hidden behind official translations.
Start with songs—Russian romances or modern rock poetry are incredibly figurative. Come sing with us in the choir!
Come to the Center to watch films in the original language and with subtitles. Discover Russia through China: find the points of intersection. Listen to Chinese musicians perform Russian music. See how Chinese artists depict Russia. This will give you a unique dual perspective for understanding.
Question: This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. What are your expectations for humanitarian exchanges between Russia and China over the next five years?
Answer: Based on the results achieved and the documents signed, it can be said that over the next five years, Russia and China will cooperate in the humanitarian sphere, which both sides describe as a strategic partnership in their relations. This partnership will deepen in several key areas: education and science, culture and art, tourism, digitalization, and new technologies. Several conditions are essential for the implementation of these plans: high-level support, new, interactive formats for working with youth, further simplification of logistics, and the development of language programs to minimize cultural differences.
In the new five-year phase, cooperation will reach the level of a systemic and technologically advanced partnership aimed at creating strong ties between future generations of Russia and China.
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