Published on: 2026-08-26
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Hefei, August 26 /Xinhua/ — The Tianzhushan Nature Reserve, located in Qianshan City, Anhui Province (East China), is a geopark of global significance as well as a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
For many years, it has not been uncommon to encounter Russian tourists in this unique place, which, in addition to its picturesque landscapes, is renowned for its traditional Chinese culture, which has a history of thousands of years.
The deputy head of the administration department of the Tianzhushan nature reserve, Shu Hanbin, said that the origins of the reserve’s relations with Russia arose thanks to the promotion of Chinese culture abroad.
According to him, more than 40 years ago local martial arts masters /Wushu/ went abroad with performances, thus initiating a cultural exchange with Russia. Since then, more and more Russians have been coming to Tianzhushan to study martial arts and get acquainted with traditional wellness practices.
And today, Russians remain among the most numerous foreign tourists visiting this picturesque region. In particular, approximately 20,000 guests from Russia visit here annually, he added.
“It is much quieter here than in big cities, and you can not only study martial arts and wellness practices, but also enjoy beautiful landscapes. I feel very comfortable,” shared 26-year-old Russian Alexandra Vilkova, who is visiting Tianzhushan for the first time.
By the second week of staying at the Tianzhushan reserve, Father A. Vilkova had already gotten used to life in the mountainous area. Evgeny Rogatsky, previously bogged down in the hustle and bustle of everyday affairs, was able here to break free from the intense work pace.
“Practicing martial arts helps me relax – both soul and body, and the friendly atmosphere here made a deep impression on me. We don’t understand each other with the locals on a verbal level, but a smile is enough for us to find common ground,” said E. Rogatsky.
Martial arts enthusiast Igor Pisarevskiy has long considered this reserve his “second homeland.” His connection with this place originated from his passion for martial arts, and now he comes here almost three to four times a year, each time staying for a period ranging from just over ten days to nearly a month.
“China is famous for its rich history – whether martial arts or health practices. Here one can gain a lot of knowledge and skills, and Tianzhushan is a vivid example of that,” noted I. Pisarevskiy.
Currently, this Russian martial arts enthusiast plans to open an international martial arts base in China, hoping to introduce traditional Chinese culture to as many foreigners as possible.
I. Pisarevsky was brought to Tianzhushan by the local martial arts master Liu Wenqin. Over more than 20 years, he has trained over 3,000 foreigners from more than 20 countries – the largest share among them being people from Russia.
“Many Russian friends come here from afar not so much to master martial arts techniques or health methods, but in the desire to understand the philosophy of life embodied in this place and to find inner harmony,” noted Liu Wencin.
To this day, cultural mutual understanding and rapprochement between peoples, overcoming mountains and seas, make this place a warm link between the peoples of China and Russia.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.