China emerges as fast-growing destination for Russian tourists

China is quickly climbing Russia's list of most popular travel destinations, contributed by a pilot visa-free policy, expanding tour options, and growing interest in cultural and family travel.

Overall, Russians made nearly 2.5 million trips to China last year -- the second-highest figure in modern history.

"Interest in China is growing - now we see families with children traveling, not only businessmen or solo tourists. They want to visit the Beijing Zoo to meet pandas, travel to Chengdu," said Daria Domostroeva, public relations director of travel agency Intourist.

Nearly 746,000 trips were made by Russians to China in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone -- a record figure and almost 40 percent higher year-on-year. Travel agencies say trips for the Chinese New Year holiday were sold out well in advance following China's decision to allow Russian travelers to enter the country with only a passport and stay up to 30 days for tourism, business, transit or visiting relatives.

Growing awareness of the Chinese New Year celebrations has drawn additional interest. The holiday period also coincides with Russian school vacations, prompting many families to plan trips together.

"I am very interested in Chinese traditions and would really like to visit. I learned about the Chinese New Year celebrations in Moscow and I am here to meet with China," said a resident participating in Moscow's festivities.

"We visited China by going to Hainan. It was really interesting. Now we want to visit the continental part, big cities like Beijing," said another.

Many travelers combine sightseeing with seaside relaxation, making stopovers in Beijing or Shanghai before heading to resort destinations.

"It's my first time in China. It's a very beautiful country, very beautiful city, Sanya," said Maxim, a Russian tourist vacationing in the southern island province of Hainan.

"I will advise this place to my friends and family to visit. It's a very popular place for Russian people," said Christina, another Russian tourist.

China emerges as fast-growing destination for Russian tourists

Heavy rains prompted several regions across China to activate emergency responses on Sunday, with warnings of possible disasters caused by days of intense rains in some areas.

The meteorological service of Nanning City, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, issued an orange lightning warning on Sunday morning.

It warned that most urban areas of Nanning will be affected by thunderstorm and some parts of the city will see heavy precipitation and strong winds.

The lightning warning was followed by another yellow warning for rainstorm, with most parts of Nanning to see heavy rains of 20 to 40 millimeters.

In some areas, precipitation will exceed 50 millimeters and will also be accompanied by thunder and gusty winds.

The central province of Hubei activated a Level III emergency response for major meteorological disasters on Sunday morning.

Local meteorological service estimated that from Sunday night to Tuesday, the province will see heavy to torrential rains and some regions will experience downpours accompanied by severe convective weather.

Local authorities said the public should stay alert to secondary disasters triggered by persistent heavy rains.

Rains hit north China's Tianjin Municipality on Saturday night.

The rainfall intensified significantly on Sunday morning and the rainy weather is projected to last until Monday.

Heavy rains prompt emergency responses in several regions