This year marks the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Beijing and Moscow. The Moscow Cultural Festival opened in Beijing on June 12, with a traditional Moscow bazaar making its debut on Wangfujing Street. Through themes like “Cultural Moscow,” “Modern Moscow,” “Jazz Moscow,” and “Folk Moscow,” it showcases the diverse charm of Russia’s capital to local residents and tourists.
Guo Huaigang, Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, stated that culture and tourism are key areas for exchanges between the two cities. Russia is one of Beijing’s major inbound tourism source markets. In 2024, Beijing received 293,000 Russian tourists. From January to May this year, the number of Russian visitors reached 175,000, surging by 83.9% year-on-year and ranking first among all foreign tourist groups visiting Beijing.
On the opening day, Wangfujing Street transformed into a pedestrian area full of Russian flair. Multiple interactive zones were set up, allowing visitors to take photos at the “Moscow Manor,” experience Russian makeup or hairstyling at the beauty pavilion, or embark on a virtual tour of Moscow at the digital gaming booth.
During the festival, attendees can join creative masterclasses, savor Russian cuisine and pastries made by Moscow confectioners, shop for unique designer gifts and souvenirs at Moscow gift stores, and enjoy “Moscow tea parties.” Additionally, performances of Russian ballet, opera, and electronic music will be staged.
Recently, Beijing also organized a series of events in Moscow to celebrate the 30th anniversary, including economic and trade roundtables and youth ice hockey matches. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism held “Hello, Beijing” cultural and tourism promotion activities and “Peking Opera Cultural Journey” events in Moscow.
Sponsored by the Moscow City Government and strongly supported by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, the Moscow Cultural Festival is part of the “China-Russia Cultural Year” framework and will run until June 15.
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