MAKHACHKALA, February 20 – RIA "Dagestan". Visits from China to the southern Russian republic jumped nearly sixfold in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to mobile operator data.
Nationwide, Chinese arrivals rose about one-third overall. Men dominated the travel cohort, making up 78.3 percent of visitors. August emerged as the peak month, with tourist numbers triple those of January and 50 percent higher than the same month in 2024.
While Primorsky Krai and Moscow region remain the top destinations in absolute terms—drawing travelers for their proximity to China and status as gateway cities—Dagestan now ranks among Russia's fastest-growing spots for Chinese tourism. Other regions showing sharp increases included Astrakhan Oblast (up 4.4 times) along with Kalmykia, Ingushetia and Lipetsk Oblast.
The surge reflects broader shifts in travel patterns as Chinese tourists venture beyond traditional hubs.