In anticipation of ITB China 2026 which takes place in Shanghai on May 26-28, Russian Travel Digest has analyzed the variety of tours and destinations to this country offered to Russian travelers.
Based on data as of 2026, China has become one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations for Russians. This has been greatly facilitated by the introduction of a visa-free regime in September 2025, allowing stays of up to 30 days. Another significant factor is that tours to the Arab countries have ceased to be available, redirecting a substantial flow of tourists towards China.
Wide range of Chinese destinations can be divided into four categories:
- Classic Destinations
- Growing in Popularity Destinations
- Border Destinations
- Special Tour Formats and Combined Itineraries
Classic destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Guangzhou form the core of most sightseeing tours and attract over half of all independent travelers.
Beijing and Shanghai are the undisputed leaders in demand. These two megacities account for 53% of all hotel bookings in China by Russians.
Hainan Island (Sanya) is the main beach destination for Russians in China. In 2025, Hainan welcomed over half a million Russian tourists, and popularity continues to grow in 2026: the number of hotel bookings in Sanya has increased 2.5–3 times. Direct flights to the island operate from 11 Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok.
Guangzhou consistently ranks in the top 5 most visited cities by Russians in China, attracting tourists as one of the largest trade and cultural centers of the country.
Growing in Popularity Destinations
Recently Russian tourists are increasingly exploring new regions that offer a deeper immersion into Chinese culture and nature.
Sichuan, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie are one of the main trends of 2026. Tourists are drawn by the chance to see giant pandas in their natural habitat, as well as to try the unique Sichuan cuisine, or to explore national park in Zhangjiajie, famous for its towering, floating-like rock pillars. According to some tour operators, demand for trips to Chengdu grew by 62%. Tour operators usually offer such itineraries, as "Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou – Mount Emei – Leshan," which allows travelers to see the famous Giant Buddha statue, sacred mountains, and nature reserve lakes. Combined tours like "Sichuan + Zhangjiajie + Chongqing" are also gaining popularity. For the convenience of tourists from the Russian Far East, a direct charter flight from Vladivostok to Yichang was launched in spring 2026.
Interest is growing in cities with rich history. Experts note increased demand for destinations such as: Xi'an: (one of the leaders in excursion programs, where the famous Terracotta Army can be seen), Suzhou, Luoyang.
Border Destinations
Dalian and Harbin are popular among residents of the Russian Far East and Siberia. Dalian attracts as a beach resort, while Harbin is known for its Russian architecture and the annual Ice Festival.
Suifenhe: A border city that is particularly popular for short shopping trips among residents of the Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories.
Special Tour Formats and Combined Itineraries
Tour operators are responding to the growing interest by offering cruises and creating combined itineraries. For example, the tour operator Space Travel offers a 10-day itinerary "Yangtze River Cruise + Futuristic Hong Kong." Tours linking different regions, such as "Hainan + Sichuan" or "Zhangjiajie + Chongqing," are also gaining more interest.
Thus, the geography of tours from Russia to China in 2026 has significantly expanded. While Beijing and Hainan remain the main points of attraction, regions such as Sichuan and Zhangjiajie are experiencing a real boom in popularity, and tour operators are actively developing new, more complex, and niche destinations.
