A recent poll by Russia’s Anketolog consulting firm uncovers a travel frenzy: China tourism tops conversations, outpacing politics or sports, with 72% of respondents eager to visit. That’s over seven in ten Russians eyeing the Middle Kingdom—fueled by cultural allure and policy perks.
Survey Snapshot: Surging Interest in All Things China
The findings highlight a shift: 69% of Russians actively seek China-related info online, from site guides to flight deals and food tips. This curiosity marks a departure from domestic focus, signaling broader global outreach amid evolving ties.
Key Draws: History, Ease, and Beyond
Respondents cited Chinese history and culture (58%) as prime magnets—think millennia-old wonders evoking timeless appeal. Visa-free access swayed 41%, simplifying spontaneous jaunts.
Plans vary: Sightseeing dominates at 95%, followed by shopping (34%) for value-driven buys, tech tours (25%) to witness innovations, and medical visits (13%) like TCM therapies or dental care—practical perks blending leisure with utility.
Favorite Spots: Urban Icons and Hidden Gems
Urban picks lean cosmopolitan: Shanghai (69%) for its East-meets-West vibe, Beijing (68%) for imperial grandeur, Tibet (50%) for rugged mystique, and Hong Kong (47%) for bustling diversity.
Attractions echo heritage: The Great Wall (75%) leads, trailed by Shaolin Temple (53%), Temple of Heaven (46%), and Forbidden City (43%). Notably, 69% fancy Beijing’s “Harry Potter” theme park—proof fantasy crosses borders.
Visa-Free Catalyst: From Policy to Practice
China’s 30-day visa waiver for ordinary Russian passports, running September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, covers business, leisure, family, exchanges, and transits. Awareness is high: 83% of potential travelers know it, and 86% report heightened appeal post-launch.
Action follows talk—12% scout sites, 16% price-check flights/hotels. Real numbers impress: Over 890,000 Russian visitors in H1 2025, averaging 9-day stays. China ranks as summer’s No. 2 outbound spot for Russians, behind Turkey but ahead of France, Armenia, and Italy.
Roots of the “China Fever”: Ties and Trends
Factors converge: Streamlined entry cuts barriers, steady Sino-Russian relations fosters exchanges, and diverse offerings suit varied tastes. China’s global rise draws eyes, inviting firsthand glimpses of its blend of tradition and progress.
Broader Impacts: Flows, Bonds, and Beyond
Russians foresee tourism surges (85%), streamlined trade (45%), cultural bridges (39%), even cross-border unions (25%)—deepening people-to-people links.
With 70% aware of Russia’s planned reciprocal visa drop for Chinese citizens, bilateral mobility looks set to soar, boosting economics and understanding.
Hosting the Influx: Practical Prep Ahead
To smooth arrivals, prioritize Russian-language aids in hotspots, hotels, and eateries. Accommodate card/cash preferences alongside digital pays. Tailor routes—like TCM sessions or tech hubs—for resonance. Above all, warm hospitality turns visitors into advocates.
This wave hints at symmetry: A “Russia boom” for Chinese explorers may follow, mirroring mutual fascination.
References
- Anketolog Consulting Firm survey on Russian travel intentions (October 2025 release).
