Tuniu(US:TOUR) Xin Jing Bao·2025-09-05 13:01Core Points - Russia will implement a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens in response to China's announcement of a similar policy for Russian passport holders, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [1] - The announcement has led to a significant increase in travel bookings and flight searches between China and Russia, particularly for flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg [2][3] Travel Industry Impact - Flight searches from Beijing to Moscow have surged, with an average ticket price of 1482 yuan, and searches for flights from Moscow to China increased nearly 100% within half an hour of the visa-free announcement [2] - In August, the number of round-trip flights between China and Russia reached 2248, recovering to 94.9% of pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 55 routes and 21 domestic cities in China connected [2] - Popular routes include Shanghai-Moscow, Beijing-Moscow, and Beijing-Vladivostok, with significant increases in flight volumes for major airlines [3] Tourist Trends - The visa-free policy is expected to boost the number of Chinese tourists visiting Russia during the upcoming National Day holiday, with Russia being a popular destination for outbound travel [4][5] - Tour operators report a nearly 200% increase in free travel bookings to Russia compared to the previous year, indicating a strong interest among younger travelers for independent travel experiences [4] - The appeal of Russia's cultural and historical attractions continues to attract a diverse range of tourists, from older travelers preferring guided tours to younger travelers seeking unique experiences [4][5]