Young Russian builds biz bridges in Xi'an

Every year, more than 1.5 million Russians cross the border into China, a country they see as full of opportunities. More than 50,000 Russians have already settled across the nation.

From the chilly province of Heilongjiang to the tropical island of Hainan, from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai to the historic capital of Beijing, an increasing number of Russians are quietly blending into China's urban landscape.

Among them is Anna Samodolova, a 27-year-old Russian entrepreneur who is determined to stay in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and continue developing her startup.

"Currently, my career in China is very important to me. Starting a business in China has made me more independent and confident," she told Chinese media.

While at university, Samodolova noticed China's rapid economic development and abundant entrepreneurial opportunities, prompting her to choose Chinese as her second foreign language. In 2019, she came to China for the first time to study Chinese for a semester at Heilongjiang International University.

"From the airport to the city, everything was very clean and highly modern," she said. "China was completely different from what I had imagined before."

In 2022, carrying her dreams with her, Samodolova returned to China to pursue a master's degree at Xi'an Jiaotong University. After graduation, she decided to stay in Xi'an and start her own business, registering a consulting company aimed at building a bridge for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia.

"Xi'an is an international tourist city and an important node city of the Belt and Road Initiative. There are many foreigners and abundant opportunities here," she said.

Her first project involved facilitating business cooperation between a Moscow ice cream manufacturer and three Chinese enterprises. Taking charge of a large-scale business negotiation for the first time, she made extensive preparations in advance, helping arrange meetings between the Moscow manufacturer and the three Chinese companies in one day.

"The Chinese companies needed localized flavors, while the Moscow manufacturer had cost considerations, so a deal was ultimately not reached," Samodolova said. "But this experience made me realize that I was somewhat reserved in social interactions and lacked certain language and business etiquette skills."

To improve communication with Chinese and foreign business people, she began studying business Chinese and Chinese etiquette online.

In August 2024, a Russian producer approached her for help in arranging performances in China for the Russian band Garage Dayz. Although unfamiliar with Xi'an's performing arts market, Samodolova immersed herself in finding venues, connecting with Chinese performance companies and applying for performance permits.

Thanks to her meticulous work, Garage Dayz successfully performed in Xi'an in April this year.

Having lived in China for more than three years, Samodolova said she has quickly integrated into local life and become more mature and confident. On Sept 23, she attended the "2025 Euro-Asia Youth Elite Dialogue" during the Euro-Asia Economic Forum in Xi'an, where she delivered a speech highlighting the opportunities created by China's rapidly developing digital economy.

"In China, the rapid development of technologies such as AI and mobile payments has made Sino-foreign cooperation much more convenient," she said in her speech.

Living in the ancient capital of Xi'an, Samodolova has also developed a deep appreciation for local cuisine and intangible cultural heritage.

Inspired by her daughter, Samodolova's mother has also begun learning Chinese online. The pair now greet each other in Chinese during phone calls.

As exchanges between China and Russia become increasingly convenient, Samodolova's business projects have continued to grow.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn