Russian tourism to China surges as visa-free travel boosts arrivals

Saturday 19 September 2026 - 12:50

By: Azzat Manal

Russian tourism to China surges as visa-free travel boosts arrivals

More than 1.6 million Russian tourists travelled to China during the first half of 2026, highlighting the rapid expansion of travel between the two countries following the introduction of visa-free arrangements.

Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said the number of Russian visitors had increased significantly since the new travel rules came into effect. The figure represents a substantial flow of tourists between the neighbouring countries and reflects growing interest in China as a destination for Russian travellers.

Tourism has become an increasingly visible part of the broader relationship between Moscow and Beijing. Russian officials said more than two million Russian citizens travelled to China in 2025, while more than one million Chinese visitors travelled to Russia during the same period.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also pointed to the impact of simplified travel procedures. During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Putin said tourism exchanges between the two countries had increased by 43% during the first half of 2026 following the introduction of visa-free travel.

Moscow has expressed interest in turning the current visa-free arrangement into a permanent system, subject to consultations with Beijing. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko previously said the two governments were discussing the possibility of extending visa-free travel more broadly, with further decisions expected after the consultations are completed.

The growth in tourism is also supporting closer people-to-people ties and could benefit airlines, hotels, transport operators, retailers and other businesses serving international visitors. Major border crossings and transport hubs, including Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia, have become important entry points for Russian travellers visiting China.

The expansion of visa-free travel comes as Moscow and Beijing continue to deepen economic and diplomatic exchanges. Easier travel between the two countries is expected to remain an important element of their broader efforts to encourage tourism, business contacts and cultural exchanges.