Hotels in Russia were advised to avoid the number "four" when checking in with Chinese

Tourists from China are not recommended to be accommodated in hotels and on floors marked with the number "four". This is stated in the appendix to the preliminary National Standard (PNST) of the Russian Federation "Tourism and related services. Recommendations on the adaptation of tourism industry facilities for the reception of foreign tourists".

The document, which was studied by TASS on March 9, notes that the number "four" in China is considered unlucky, because it sounds like a word meaning the end of life.

In addition, the recommendations state the need to equip rooms for tourists from China with a kettle, leaf tea and herbal preparations, preferably made in China, instant noodles in glasses and disposable chopsticks. Hotels are also advised to include rice, noodles, soups, steamed dishes, vegetable side dishes, Chinese snacks and soy sauce in the menu.

During their stay, Chinese tourists should be given the opportunity to pay in their usual way, connect to Wi-Fi with a Chinese SIM card, and use Chinese online booking platforms. Key information media should contain information in English and Chinese, and hotel staff are encouraged to have staff who speak Chinese.

It is noted that the PNST will become effective on June 1, 2026 and will be advisory in nature.

Without refusals and hidden deductions: how the rules of hotel reservations will change in Russia starting in 2026

Starting from March 2026, all hotels and other accommodation facilities must be entered in a special register.

OneTwoTrip experts said on March 2 that Russians began to travel to China more often to celebrate the Chinese New Year: the number of hotels booked increased by 42%, and air tickets purchased — by 55%.

In addition, the budget for accommodation has also increased — to an average of 12.7 thousand rubles per day, which is 1.4 thousand rubles more than last year. According to experts, Russians booked hotels in Shanghai most often — the city accounted for 40.2% of bookings, and its share increased by 37% over the year.

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