Chinese tour groups will be able to visit Russia from this coming autumn. The National Tourism Administration has signed memorandum of understanding with Russia that will allow Chinese tour parties to visit Russia from August 25.

That brings to 70th approved travel destinations for Chinese citizens.

Under terms of the agreement, a Chinese tour group can enter Russia without first applying for a visa.

Currently, more than 600 travel agencies are allowed to organize groups to Russia. It's expected up to a million people will visit Russia by next year.

(CCTV.com July 22, 2005)