Harbin has experienced a dramatic influx of Russian visitors following China’s implementation of a visa-waiver program for ordinary Russian passport holders in mid-September. Official data and travel industry reports confirm this substantial shift in tourism dynamics, particularly evident in the northeastern Chinese city and its surrounding border regions.
The policy, enacted by China’s Foreign Ministry and valid through September 14, 2026, permits Russian nationals to enter without visas for stays up to 30 days. The arrangement covers multiple purposes including tourism, business activities, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.
This regulatory change has eliminated previous bureaucratic hurdles, replacing them with a streamlined electronic declaration system accessible via mobile application. The efficiency gain is remarkable—what was once a cumbersome visa application process has been reduced to a sub-five-minute customs clearance procedure.
The practical impact is illustrated by travelers like Inna Klochko, a 53-year-old from Vladivostok who has visited Harbin twice since the policy took effect. She describes appreciating the city’s European-inspired architecture along Central Avenue while indulging in local culinary specialties like guobaorou (sweet-and-sour pork) at renowned establishments such as Laochujia Restaurant. For Klochko, the enhanced accessibility has made cultural exploration and relaxation—including leisurely hotel stays—significantly more attainable.
According to statistics from leading online travel platform Ctrip, published by Harbin Daily, the city has witnessed a 136% year-on-year increase in Russian tourist arrivals. Accompanying this visitor surge is an even more substantial 150% growth in tourism-related spending, indicating both increased volume and enhanced economic impact from these cross-border travelers.