Russian tourists explore new destinations in China’s Heilongjiang Province

Since the beginning of the year, the flow of Russian tourists to cities in China’s border province of Heilongjiang has increased sharply. Travellers are actively taking advantage of the introduction of the visa-free regime, seeking to see northeastern China. This was reported by Dongbeiwang, a TV BRICS partner.

Several cities have become key points of attraction, each offering its own unique programme. In Heihe, during the long New Year holidays, Russians immersed themselves in local culture: tasting authentic Chinese cuisine, taking part in folk crafts workshops, and learning the traditional yangge dance.

In Suifenhe, the format of independent road trips is gaining popularity. Russian tourists, having obtained temporary driving licences, rent cars and set off to explore the surrounding areas, including the Mudanjiang district.

For shopping enthusiasts, Tongjiang has become a must-visit destination, where an instant tax refund service for foreigners has been introduced. The cities of Raohe and Mishan attract fans of winter sports with new ice and snow activities. Meanwhile, friendly martial arts meetings between young people from the two countries are held in Dongning.

It is also noted that the abolition of the visa regime contributes to an increase in the number of short-term trips by Chinese citizens to Russia.

The growing dynamics of mutual tourism interest are also confirmed by data from Moscow. As previously stated in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS by Anton Kharchenko, Head of a Department of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in the first six months of 2025 the Russian capital welcomed more than 230,000 tourists from China. China continues to hold the status of the leading country from the far abroad in terms of inbound tourist flow to Moscow.

Photo: maroot sudchinda / iStock