Russian artists perform in Zhangjiajie at cultural exchange event

A four-day China-Russia cultural exchange event is underway in the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, renowned for its towering sandstone pillars.

More than 300 artists from China, Russia, and Central Asian countries are participating in the event, which features performances and other cultural activities.

At the opening on Sunday, artists in traditional Russian costumes sang, danced, and showcased folk customs along the Suoxi River in Wulingyuan, engaging warmly with tourists and locals.

The event will continue at iconic tourist locations such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, according to organizers, with activities ranging from vocal performances to guided tours and competitions.

Zhangjiajie is a popular destination among Russian visitors. According to local authorities, the influx of Russian tourists has surged since the visa-exemption policy took effect in September.

Last year, the Wulingyuan area hosted 30,300 Russian travelers, marking a 148 percent increase from 2024. In the first quarter of this year alone, arrivals jumped 438 percent to 11,300.