Russia just opened visa-free travel to Chinese tourists.
Within days, the first survival tip went viral:
“Always carry 5,000 rubles in cash… in case the police stop you.”

The warning didn’t come from Western media.
It came from a Chinese student living in Russia.

Soon after, a Chinese tourist alleged he was detained by Russian police, put into an armored transport vehicle, and pressured for money — first 5,000 rubles, then reportedly 30,000. He was eventually released after paying several thousand rubles via transfer. No official confirmation. No official denial either.

Visa-free was supposed to signal trust.
Instead, the first thing spreading on Chinese social media is fear management.

Tourism ads show Red Square.
Reality videos show document checks and “just in case” cash.

Soft power opens borders.
Real power decides how safe you feel after you cross them.

And here’s the irony —
“合作无上限” — cooperation without limits.
Yet the first advice for travelers is not about culture, food, or safety…
It’s about preparing money for the police.

You can enter a country without a visa.
But you still can’t enter without risk.