The charted direct flight between Taiyuan and Moscow is expected to boost tourism in both cities. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Authorities have revealed that to meet the travel demands of tourists from North China's Shanxi province, a direct charter flight from Taiyuan to Moscow will resume operations on May 4.

The flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Taiyuan to Moscow flight will depart at 2:55 pm and arrive at 8:15 pm local time, while the Moscow to Taiyuan flight will depart at 10:55 pm and arrive at 1:15 pm local time.

The resumption of the Taiyuan-Moscow direct charter flight is expected to increase the number of travelers between the two cities by 20,000.

The China-Russia Cultural Year was launched this year. During this year's Spring Festival holiday, Moscow held grand celebrations to welcome Chinese tourists, permeating the city with the rich atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

Russia is regularly one of the top 10 international tourist destinations for Chinese people. Last November, a Boeing 737 aircraft carrying nearly 200 passengers took off from Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, marking the official opening of the Taiyuan-Moscow-Taiyuan charter flight.

The first international direct tourist charter flight between China and Russia opened in 2023, with a full occupancy rate on its maiden voyage. The resumption of the direct charter flight from Taiyuan to Moscow will help promote the development of the tourism industries in Shanxi and Moscow.

It will also facilitate the expansion of cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, making it easier for people from Shanxi and surrounding areas to travel to Russia and further boosting outbound tourism from Shanxi.