Growth of tourist flow between Russia and China in the first half of 2026
Quick Look
- In the first half of 2026, tourist flows from China to Russia increased by 20%, and from Russia to China by 54%.
- This was announced by Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation Boris Titov at the Russian-Chinese Business Forum.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China and Russia have introduced a mutual visa-free regime for tourist trips.
MOSCOW, September 10 - RIA Novosti. The flow of tourists from China to Russia in the first half of 2026 increased by 20%, while from Russia to China by 54%, said the special representative of the Russian President for relations with international organizations for sustainable development, co-chairman of the Russian-Chinese Committee of Friendship, Peace and Development (RKKDMR) Boris Titov.
“The number of Chinese tourists in Russia in the first half of the year increased by 20%, and Russian tourists in China by 54%,” Titov said at the seventh Russian-Chinese business forum of small and medium-sized businesses.
He noted that Russia is especially interested in the arrival of Chinese tourists.
“Many tourist complexes are already becoming China Friendly,” he added.
Last September, China introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Russians for 12 months; Russia responded symmetrically in December; then the parties extended the visa-free regime until the end of 2027.
Open Questions
- What are the absolute numbers of tourist flow?
