Chinese dragons arrive in Moscow for special New Year celebration

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Dancing dragons, top Chinese chefs and craftsmen have arrived in Moscow to join the Russians celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The luxury shopping center GUM is hosting a spectacular series of celebrations and shows to help the Russian people understand their neighbor's culture better.

The Russian visitors were suitably impressed. “I came here just to have a snack but after having seen all of this Chinese art, embroidery, all these statues and crafts, it’s amazingly beautiful, I have no regrets," said one Muscovite.

Dragon dancing at the luxury shopping center GUM in Moscow. /Dan Ashby

It is all part of a charm offensive by Russia to try to woo more Chinese tourists.

Oleg Safonov, head of Russian Tourism Agency, said: “We’re seeing the number of Chinese tourists constantly growing. We’re really happy about it, and I'd also like to say the number of Russians going to China is also increasing－and at a good pace. The Russian Federation is really interested to make sure the flow of tourists from Asia Pacific and other regions keeps growing.”

Together, Chinese and Russian organizers hope to encourage more cultural and economic exchange between the two countries.

The luxury shopping center GUM in Moscow is decorated with Chinese New Year elements. /Dan Ashby

Gong Jiajia, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Moscow, said: "A lot of Chinese people are choosing to come here, and I think all these decorations will create a great atmosphere and allow them to spend their holidays, and spend more money here in a good mood!"

Enjoying the dragon dancing. /Dan Ashby

Among the famous Chinese people who helped with the event was leading artist Jacky Tsai.

He explained that he hoped the decorations will take elements from both countries' cultures.

"The main way is to combine the Chinese and the Russian culture, together in harmony. So you can see the Russian doll and the Chinese doll are there facing each other."