Core Insights - The bilateral tourism between China and Russia is projected to grow significantly, with a 1.5 times increase in tourist flow expected in 2024, reaching 2.8 million people [2][3]. Group 1: Policy Support and Infrastructure - The expansion of tourism is supported by policies from both governments, emphasizing the importance of tourism development [3]. - A visa exemption policy for ordinary passport holders from Russia will be implemented from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, facilitating travel for business, tourism, and family visits [3]. - The number of fixed flights between China and Russia is expected to exceed 4,600 from October 2024 to January 2025, averaging over 380 flights per week [3]. Group 2: Quality of Tourism Exchange - The nature of tourism exchanges has evolved from simple sightseeing to deeper, experiential, and diversified interactions [4]. - Russian tourists are exploring not only major cities like Beijing and Shanghai but also cultural sites in Yunnan and Sichuan, while Chinese tourists are venturing beyond traditional routes to experience unique natural attractions [5]. Group 3: Cultural Understanding and Language Learning - Increased tourism is fostering a deeper understanding of each other's cultures, with interactions such as shopping and cultural experiences becoming common at border cities [6]. - There is a growing interest in learning each other's languages, with nearly 113,000 students in Russia studying Chinese and over 150 higher education institutions in China offering Russian language programs [6]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The potential for future tourism exchanges is vast, with further cooperation on the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative expected to enhance connectivity [7]. - Advances in digital technology will create more immersive travel experiences, and the younger generation's interest in foreign cultures will continue to drive demand for in-depth tourism [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has announced a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, which is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from Russia to China [3][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Impact - The visa-free policy allows Russian citizens to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without a visa [3]. - Following the announcement, there was a nearly 100% year-on-year increase in flight searches from Moscow on the Qunar platform, with peak searches reaching nearly four times the usual volume [3]. - Russia is currently one of the top three source countries for inbound tourism to China, and the new policy is anticipated to lead to a substantial increase in Russian tourists visiting China [3][4]. Group 2: Tourism Trends and Preferences - In the recent summer tourism market, Russia ranked among the top five source countries for inbound tourism to China, with a 150% year-on-year increase in inbound travel orders from Russia on the Ctrip platform since July [3][5]. - Popular destinations for Russian tourists in China include Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Guangzhou, and Harbin, indicating a preference for major urban and scenic locations [3][5]. - The growth in Russian inbound tourism is attributed to improved transportation networks and ongoing enhancements in tourism infrastructure and services between China and Russia [5]. Group 3: Cultural and Economic Exchange - The visa-free policy is expected to facilitate deeper cultural exchanges and human interactions between China and Russia, potentially leading to a new era of bilateral tourism [5]. - Historical data shows a significant increase in mutual tourism, with Chinese tourists to Russia reaching 1.0394 million in 2024, a 209.3% increase year-on-year, and 1.5035 million Russian tourists visiting China, a 115.1% increase [5].