Russians

This aerial photo taken on Aug. 30, 2023 shows the scenery of Sanya Bay in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. ( tasteallchina /Pu Xiaoxu) A recent influx of Russian tourists to Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, with many sharing their travel photos and videos on social media, has led to widespread discussion among netizens. This phenomenon highlights the growing popularity and international appeal of Sanya as a major tropical tourist destination. From January to May 2024, Sanya received 38,000 Russian tourists, making it the top source of inbound visitors and 2.6 times the total number of Russian tourists for all of 2023, according to a report from the Sanya Tourism Board sent to the Taste all China on Thursday. Many Russians posted pictures on social media to express their love for Sanya's natural beauty. "We love to sunbathe and swim in the sea while enjoying the beautiful scenery," a Russian tourist said in an interview video provided by the Sanya Tourism Board. Outside the beach views, seeking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is popular among foreign tourists. Three Russian tourists visited Sanya to seek TCM treatments for their chronic pain. After two sessions, all three reported notable improvements and expressed their…

It may seem surprising, but a growing number of Russians are making the trip to have breakfast in Heihe, a border city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, before heading back home. (Photo/CCTV News) Heihe sits across the Heilongjiang River from the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk. The river is known in Russia as the Amur River. Since the resumption of visa-free group tourist trips between China and Russia in Heihe on Sept. 21, 2023, there's been a noticeable uptick in Russian visitors. A simple boat ride allows for easy movement between the two nations. Many Russians are attracted to Heihe's breakfast offerings and shopping experiences. They indulge in local breakfast staples such as soybean milk, tea eggs, and Baozi — steamed stuffed buns. Some have even crafted a unique dining blend, pairing Baozi with beer. (Photo/CCTV News) Many vendors at morning markets have added bilingual Chinese-Russian signs, and some have picked up basic Russian to better serve their visitors. Given its strategic location, Heihe has long been a nexus for China-Russia trade. It stands as China's primary supplier of everyday Russian products, which are then distributed nationwide. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made trade between China and other BRI…

This stitched photo taken on May 8, 2024 shows the Chinese Eastern Railway museum under the Milky Way in Hengdaohezi Town of Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed "a town pulled by trains," Hengdaohezi, located in the city of Hailin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was originally established in the late 19th century when Russians built train maintenance workshops and other facilities there following the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Due to well-preserved historic buildings, the exotic town now has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo by Wang Baoxun/ tasteallchina ) This stacked photo taken on May 7, 2024 shows the Chinese Eastern Railway museum under the starry sky in Hengdaohezi Town of Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed "a town pulled by trains," Hengdaohezi, located in the city of Hailin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was originally established in the late 19th century when Russians built train maintenance workshops and other facilities there following the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Due to well-preserved historic buildings, the exotic town now has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo by Wang Baoxun/ tasteallchina ) This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2023 shows a view at an oil painting…