Dmitry Chernyshenko: tourist flow between Russia and China increased by 50%

Tourist flow between Russia and China has increased by 50% following the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries. The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Chernyshenko, spoke about this at the VII Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Business Forum "Path to Success" at the National Centre RUSSIA.

"Thanks to the historic decision by the heads of our states to abolish visa requirements for citizens of Russia and China, tourist flow has already increased by 50%. At the same time, the potential is significantly greater: we are preparing to welcome more than 5.5 million travellers from China. To achieve this, we are creating high-quality conditions — expanding accommodation capacity, developing attractions and creating tourism products tailored to Chinese visitors," said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that more than 80 hospitality facilities in Russia — hotels, visitor attractions and airports — have already been certified under the China Friendly standard. New tourism products for the Chinese market are due to be presented under the single Discover Russia brand at the outbound and inbound tourism exhibition in Beijing in October. Other promising areas include launching flights along new tourist routes and developing joint projects.

Dmitry Chernyshenko previously said that around 2 million Russians visited China in 2025, while approximately 1 million Chinese citizens travelled to Russia. The number of mutual trips between the two countries is expected to reach 6 million by the end of 2027.

The development of the National Centre RUSSIA branch network across the country's regions is also making a significant contribution to strengthening tourism ties between Russia and China. The National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Primorye Territory, opened a year ago by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has become a major attraction for both local residents and tourists, including visitors from China. The National Centre RUSSIA space in Vladivostok has been designed to reflect the distinctive features of the Far East. Its permanent exposition introduces visitors to the culture of Indigenous peoples, the region's nature and history, the Territory's industrial and educational potential, as well as its cultural and logistics opportunities. Visitors can also explore interactive zones and attend workshops, lectures, meetings and programmes for children and young people. The development of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Primorye is also helping to create a comfortable urban environment in the surrounding area: exactly one year ago, the first section of the embankment was completed, creating a new landscaped promenade. Construction of a concert hall is expected to begin next year, while further improvements to the embankment will continue.

Another important project for tourism in the two countries will be the future National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Khabarovsk Territory on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island. Its development forms part of a comprehensive project for this unique cross-border territory, being implemented following agreements between Russia and China in line with the direction set by the leaders of the two countries — the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping.

The location of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island creates opportunities for new transport, economic, cultural and tourism links between Russia and China. The future National Centre RUSSIA branch could become an "eastern gateway" for travellers and a venue for international dialogue, while also helping to increase mutual interest in travel, cultural exchange and joint initiatives.

Tourism was one of the key topics at the VII Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Business Forum "Path to Success", held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 10–11 September. The forum brought together more than 800 representatives of Russian and Chinese businesses, government bodies and the expert community. Participants are discussing cooperation in innovation, digitalisation, investment, artificial intelligence, agriculture, tourism and the creative industries.