'Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia' opens

Preparations are in full swing for "The Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia." As part of this major event, the National Tourism Administration is busy promoting China's rich tourism resources in Moscow.

Cooperation on tourism between Russia and China continues to grow. This year, China has been the guest of honor at the Russia International Tourism Expo. Many visitors are lured to the exhibition booth.

2012 marked "The Year of Russian Tourism in China". The two countries initiated over 200 projects, including self-driving tours from Beijing to Moscow, and a documentary film.

The number of Chinese visitors to Russia has quadrupled in the last five years. The number nearly doubled last year alone, thanks to the tourism project.

Angelina Gerasimov is among those happiest about the influx of Chinese visitors. She has worked as a Chinese-speaking tour guide in St. Petersburg for the past 18 years.

As a graduate of Oriental culture, Angelina was sent to study in Tianjin on a national scholarship in 1989. She has been impressed by many of the Chinese visitors to Russia.

Angelina Gerasimov, tour guide, said, "The Chinese tourists coming in recent years have done their homework. They seem to know quite a lot about the history and culture of St. Petersburg. Some of them even know which theatre is the best to watch a ballet."

And as more Chinese tourists flow in, Angelina just keeps getting busier and busier. Last year, she made an average of 2000 U.S dollars per month, a significant rise from previous years.

Her family has also just moved into a new apartment in St.Petersburg.