Russia-China travel surges as visa-free trips drive record passenger growth

Travel between Russia and China is rising sharply, with more tourists crossing the border each month. A visa-free agreement, now extended until late 2027, has made short trips easier for citizens of both countries. The surge in demand is also reflected in higher passenger numbers on key routes, including river cruises and flights. The river cruise ship 70 Let Pobedy saw a dramatic increase in passengers last month. In May 2026, it carried 1,800 tourists—six times more than the 300 recorded in May 2025. The vessel’s fares have adjusted to demand: weekday tickets now cost 5,750 rubles, a 30% drop from previous prices. Weekend and holiday fares remain higher at 6,500 rubles per passenger.

Air travel has followed a similar trend. Passenger traffic between Khabarovsk and Fuyuan jumped nearly sixfold in May 2026 compared to the same month a year earlier. The regional Transport Ministry confirms a broader rise, reporting a 30% increase in mutual tourist flows between the two nations. The visa-free agreement, allowing stays of up to 30 days, has played a key role in this growth. Extended until the end of 2027, it removes barriers for short-term visitors and encourages more frequent cross-border trips.

The rise in tourist numbers highlights stronger travel ties between Russia and China. Lower weekday fares on the 70 Let Pobedy and simplified entry rules have made trips more accessible. With the visa-free policy in place for another year, passenger traffic is likely to keep climbing.