Core Points - China has added Russia to its visa-free countries list, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, allowing Russian passport holders to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without a visa [1] - Following the announcement, flight searches from Moscow to China surged nearly 100% within half an hour, with peak searches reaching 400% [1] - Russia has become one of the top three source countries for inbound tourism to China, with a 150% year-on-year increase in travel orders since July [1] Group 1 - The visa-free policy aims to facilitate personnel exchanges between China and Russia, enhancing tourism and business opportunities [1] - The city of Heihe in Heilongjiang province is positioned as a primary entry point for Russian tourists, with local businesses adapting to cater to their needs [1][2] - Local markets in Heihe have transformed, with the establishment of a night market that has become popular among Russian visitors, indicating a shift in the local economy [2] Group 2 - The night market in Heihe has expanded significantly, with plans to increase the number of stalls to 280 by 2025, enhancing the local nightlife and commerce [2] - Local vendors are increasingly able to communicate in Russian, improving the shopping experience for tourists and boosting sales [2] - Collaborative efforts have been made to deepen cross-border cultural and tourism cooperation, as evidenced by recent agreements signed between Heihe and various Russian entities [2]

Core Points - China has announced a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without a visa [1] - Following the announcement, flight searches from Moscow to China surged nearly 100% within half an hour, with peak searches reaching 400% [1] - Russia has become one of the top three source countries for inbound tourism to China, with a 150% year-on-year increase in travel orders since July [1] Group 1: Impact on Local Economy - The city of Heihe, located near the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk, has seen a significant influx of Russian tourists, leading to increased visibility of Russian visitors in local establishments [1] - Local businesses, such as cafes and restaurants, have adapted to cater to Russian tourists, including offering menus in Russian and adjusting product offerings to meet their preferences [1][3] - The newly established Heihe International Night Market has become a popular destination for Russian tourists, with plans to expand its size and number of stalls by 2025 [3][4] Group 2: Cultural Exchange and Cooperation - The Heihe city government has been proactive in fostering cross-border cultural and tourism cooperation, signing memorandums with various organizations, including those from Blagoveshchensk and Macau [8] - The night market has not only increased business for local vendors but has also created a space for cultural exchange, with vendors able to communicate in Russian and cater to the needs of Russian customers [4][8]