Core Viewpoint - Russia has implemented a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, effective from December 1, 2025, to September 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days, which is expected to significantly boost tourism and business cooperation between the two countries [1][9]. Group 1: Impact on Tourism - The visa-free policy is anticipated to invigorate the local tourism market and increase tourism consumption in Russia [1]. - Following the announcement, flight searches to Russia surged over 8 times, and bookings increased nearly 5 times on major travel platforms [2]. - Popular destinations among Chinese tourists include Moscow, Murmansk, and St. Petersburg, with a notable increase in inquiries for group tours and experiential travel products [3]. Group 2: Travel Trends and Pricing - There has been a significant rise in travel bookings, with flight ticket reservations to Russia increasing by 190% and hotel bookings by 213% compared to the previous year [2]. - Some airlines are offering exceptionally low-priced tickets, with one-way flights from Guangzhou to Moscow priced as low as 646 yuan, although additional taxes and fees may apply [4][8]. - Travelers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with low-cost tickets, as they often come with strict restrictions [8]. Group 3: Economic Cooperation - The visa-free policy is expected to create new opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in energy and large-scale consumption sectors [9]. - The recent trade data indicates a decline in trade volume between China and Russia, with a total import-export scale of 1.31 trillion yuan, down 8.7% year-on-year [9][14]. - The new investment agreement between China and Russia, effective December 1, aims to enhance investment protection and facilitate bilateral investments, which may further strengthen economic ties [14].

Group 1 - The Russian government has implemented a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, effective from December 1, 2023, until September 14, 2026, significantly facilitating travel to Russia for Chinese tourists [1] - Following the announcement of the visa-free policy, search volume for travel to Russia on the Ctrip platform has doubled, indicating a strong market response [1] - The new policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Russian tourism, attracting a diverse range of tourists, and shifting the focus from sightseeing to deeper travel experiences such as cultural and business exploration [1] Group 2 - The visa-free policy is anticipated to boost various travel segments, including study tours, business events, and official visits, fostering closer communication between the two nations [2] - Since the implementation of the visa-free policy by China for Russian citizens, there has been a significant increase in travel bookings, with flight reservations to Russia up by 190% and hotel bookings up by 213% year-on-year [2] - The mutual visa exemption is expected to inject new momentum into bilateral cooperation across trade, culture, and other sectors [2]