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
Changchun/Vladivostok, December 17 (Xinhua) — At the Hunchun checkpoint in northeastern China's Jilin Province, border control officers in neat uniforms work busily in the arrivals hall. Russian tourists occasionally pass through customs here, beginning their unforgettable journey to China.
"This year, we've clearly seen increased interest in China from Russian tourists: 'Spending a weekend in China' is becoming a trend," says Zheng Mingya, deputy head of the first duty group at the Hunchun border control point. According to her, more than 260,000 people crossed the border through the Hunchun checkpoint in the first half of this year; since the beginning of the year, the number of Russian tourists entering China through this checkpoint has increased by approximately 20 percent year-on-year.
Hunchun County, located in southeastern Jilin Province, borders the Khasansky District of Russia's Primorsky Krai and is the only city in the province with a checkpoint on the Russian border. This is not only an important conduit for Chinese-Russian trade but also a gateway for humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.
Since September 15, Russian citizens with ordinary passports have been able to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, and transit. Walking the streets of Hunchun, you'll notice that most shops have signs in both Chinese and Russian. From time to time, you can spot Russians here.
Late in the evening, the Bohai Ancient City Tourist Area is bustling with tourists and dazzling with lights. Opened just over six months ago, the area recreates architectural ensembles, ancient trade routes, and markets from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), presenting vibrant song, dance, and musical-drama programs and performances dedicated to intangible cultural heritage, showcasing traditional Chinese culture and attracting numerous Chinese and foreign tourists.
Maria, from Russia's Siberian Federal District, dressed in a magnificent hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing), with flowers in her hair and a fan in hand, gracefully poses in front of an ancient-style stage. The camera's flash captured her smile. "I feel like I've been transported to ancient China and become a Chinese princess for a day!" Maria exclaimed joyfully. She had just watched a traditional Chinese show featuring "iron sparks," which she found very romantic.
"For Russian tourists, traveling to China is very convenient. Many choose 3-day, 2-night or 4-day, 3-night tours through travel agencies, setting aside one day to visit Yanji, Tumen, Dunhua, and even Changchun to ride the Chinese high-speed train," says Zhang Yanbo, Deputy General Director of Yanbian Far East International Tourism Co., Ltd.
In addition to a variety of entertainment and unique cuisine, Hunchun's distinctive calling card is its culture of healing through traditional Chinese medicine.
Inside the Hanyijiu Moxibustion Clinic, the air is filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs. 53-year-old Russian tourist Alexey lies on a couch. The doctor gently applies a lit mugwort cigar to acupuncture points on the back of the patient's head.
Alexey, who suffers from insomnia and cervical spondylosis, made the special trip from Vladivostok. "I've been undergoing treatment for four days now. My arms and legs used to be constantly numb, but now my sleep quality has improved significantly—it's simply incredible!" he remarked with satisfaction. "The current visa-free regime is very convenient; I plan to visit China often."
"Every year, thousands of Russian tourists come to us, some even from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many come for tourism and shopping, but many also come to improve their health, treat cervical spondylosis, scapulohumeral periarthritis, and other ailments," says Han Shimin, director of the Hanijiu Clinic. Inside, pennants donated by Russian patients hang on the walls, bearing inscriptions in Russian: "Exquisite Medical Craftsmanship" and "Miraculous Traditional Chinese Medicine."
On December 1, Russia signed a decree allowing Chinese citizens visa-free entry to Russia for sightseeing and business trips for up to 30 days, which will further foster humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. According to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, by 2030, the Russian Far East plans to welcome 1.8 million Chinese tourists, a sevenfold increase from the current figure, and the number of weekly direct flights between the region and China will increase from the current 50 to 350.
In anticipation of the New Year, Hunchun is preparing to warmly welcome even more tourists from Russia. "Every New Year, we hold Chinese-Russian New Year's parties in Yanji, Changbai Mountain, and other areas, inviting Russian tourists to gather, sing, and dance. Last year, over 3,000 people participated!" says Zhang Yanbo.
"Our travel agency often organizes tours for clients to Chinese border cities, such as Hunchun," says Elena Andreeva, CEO of the Vladivostok-based travel agency Mirabel Tour. In anticipation of the Russian New Year and Christmas, the agency offers Russian tourists New Year's package tours to China, including Chinese massages, visits to hot springs, and Peking duck tastings. "I'm confident that in the future, more and more tourists will travel to China for vacation," says Elena Andreeva. –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.
