Russian tourists are increasingly visiting the beaches of southern China, drawn by the warm weather and Beijing's visa-free travel policy. The resort city of Sanya, on China's Hainan Island, has become a particularly popular destination, as evidenced by New Year's Eve celebrations catering specifically to Russian time zones.

Many Russian vacationers in Sanya celebrated the arrival of 2026 two hours early to coincide with the New Year in Vladivostok, a Russian city in the Far East. According to Andrew Higgins of The New York Times, the celebrations included toasts in Russian, reflecting a desire to celebrate openly in a location where they feel more comfortable than in many parts of Europe.

This influx of Russian tourists highlights the evolving dynamics of international travel and the impact of geopolitical events on tourism patterns. While many European countries have seen a decrease in Russian visitors due to the war in Ukraine, China offers a welcoming environment and relatively easy access. This shift is facilitated by China's visa-free policy for Russian tourists, implemented to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in analyzing travel patterns and predicting tourist flows is becoming increasingly prevalent. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and social media activity, to identify emerging trends and optimize tourism strategies. For example, AI-powered tools can help tourism boards understand the preferences of Russian tourists and tailor marketing campaigns accordingly.

However, the increasing reliance on AI in tourism also raises ethical considerations. Data privacy is a major concern, as AI systems collect and analyze personal information about travelers. It is crucial to ensure that this data is used responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations. Furthermore, the use of AI in tourism could potentially lead to biased outcomes, such as the over-targeting of certain demographic groups or the exclusion of others.

The trend of Russian tourists flocking to southern China is expected to continue in the coming years. The Chinese government is likely to further promote tourism from Russia as part of its broader efforts to strengthen ties with the country. The development of new AI technologies will also play a role in shaping the future of tourism, both in China and globally.