Online agency Tongcheng Travel said searches for Russian hotels and flights rose more than sixfold on Friday from a day earlier within an hour of Chinese media reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Chinese travellers might soon be able to visit without visas.
The proposal follows Beijing’s announcement on Tuesday that Russian citizens will be able to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, starting from September 15.
“It’s a very kind gesture from the leadership of China,” Putin said during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday.
“Russia, undoubtedly, will reciprocate this friendly act. We will do the same.”
The two countries also resumed their visa-free policy for group tours after China reopened its border following nearly three years of strict Covid-19 controls.
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