Every year, more than 1.5 million Russians cross the border into China, a country they see as full of opportunities. More than 50,000 Russians have already settled across the nation.
From the chilly province of Heilongjiang to the tropical island of Hainan, from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai to the historic capital of Beijing, an increasing number of Russians are quietly blending into China's urban landscape.
Among them is Anna Samodolova, a 27-year-old Russian entrepreneur who is determined to stay in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and continue developing her startup.
"Currently, my career in China is very important to me. Starting a business in China has made me more independent and confident," she told Chinese media.
While at university, Samodolova noticed China's rapid economic development and abundant entrepreneurial opportunities, prompting her to choose Chinese as her second foreign language. In 2019, she came to China for the first time to study Chinese for a semester at Heilongjiang International University.
