In September and December 2025, China and Russia successively implemented visa free policies for each other, and the Chinese and Russian people embarked on a journey of "leaving at will". In the past month, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Russia has significantly increased. Maya Lomizo, Executive President of the Russian Tourism Operators Association, predicts that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Russia in the summer of 2026 will increase by about 30% compared to the same period last year. In Russia, Moscow and other places, optimization is carried out in various aspects such as language communication, signage guidance, and payment services, using details to convey friendliness. At Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, clear Chinese signage runs through various stages such as customs, security checks, and luggage retrieval. At the same time, Russian tourists have listed China as a travel destination, forming a wave of tourism to China. According to data from the Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Bureau of Sanya City, Russian tourists account for over 40% of inbound tourists to Sanya. Just one month after the implementation of mutual visa exemption between China and Russia, the Dadonghai Tourist Area in Sanya receives more than 3000 Russian tourists per day. Sanya hotels will receive approximately 170000 Russian inbound tourists in 2024, increasing rapidly to 350000 in 2025. Chengdu, Leshan and other places in Sichuan have become new "treasure destinations" for Russians to visit China in depth. According to the Chengdu Border Inspection Station of Sichuan Exit Entry Border Inspection General Station, in the past three months since China granted visa free entry to Russia, more than 26000 Russian passengers have entered the country through Chengdu Airport without a visa. This year is the 'China Russia Education Year'. Visa free education plays an important role in promoting educational exchanges between China and Russia. The number of students participating in short-term exchanges has increased, and it has become more convenient for teachers and researchers to visit schools and attend academic conferences in the short term. From official policy dividends to spontaneous friendly interactions among the people, mutual visa exemption is helping the Chinese and Russian people build a solid "bridge of friendship". (New Society)