Demand among Russian citizens for tours to China rises by 50–100% after visa abolition

Following Beijing’s introduction of a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens, demand from travellers from Russia for tours to China has increased by 50–100 per cent. This was reported by the press service of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, citing data from analysts.

“Since early September, when the news about China introducing a visa-free regime appeared, demand for tours began to grow rapidly: in the first ten days of September it increased by more than 60 per cent year-on-year,” the statement said.

PR Director of one of the Russian tour operators, Olga Lanskaya, stated that at present around 80 per cent of the tourist flow is concentrated on Hainan Island.

Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) for inbound tourism Aleksander Musikhin, in an exclusive commentary to TV BRICS, noted that popular destinations for Russians include Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, as well as Henan Province, home to the Shaolin Monastery.

Head of the outbound tourism department of a Beijing tourist business company, Li Peng, in a conversation with the International Media Network, stressed that the visa-free regime for Russian citizens demonstrates the high level of relations between Russia and China.

“This strengthens trade and cultural ties. I believe it will also give a new and powerful impetus to the development of the Chinese economy,” he said.

He added that China’s tourism infrastructure is already at a high level, given the active use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, which make travel comfortable. For those visiting the country for the first time, Li Peng advised starting with Beijing and Shanghai.

From 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026, China operates a trial visa-free regime for Russians. The Russian side will react to this measure in kind, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated.

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