Storefronts across China are now adorned in the colors of the Russian and Chinese flags, welcoming customers with waist-high Russian dolls and an array of Russian goods—from chocolates and cookies to honey and vodka.

Pop-up stores specializing in Russian-made products have rapidly expanded, sparking curiosity among Chinese citizens. Many on social media wonder why these stores have appeared so suddenly.

In recent years, thousands of such stores have opened nationwide, capitalizing on the growing affinity between China and Russia, especially since the onset of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As Western sanctions have hit Russia, China has become a crucial economic partner, with trade between the two nations reaching record highs. While Russian energy exports dominate, food products like ice cream, biscuits, and milk powder have also gained significant traction among Chinese consumers.

Chinese businesses have eagerly embraced this demand, with over 2,500 new companies registering to trade Russian goods since 2022—nearly half of them within the past year. Most of these businesses are based in Heilongjiang, a northeastern province bordering Russia, but they are now spreading across other regions as well.

Beyond staple imports like seafood and agricultural goods, Russian-branded chocolates, biscuits, and milk powder have particularly resonated with Chinese consumers, reinforcing Moscow’s promotion of the “Made in Russia” label. However, the rapid expansion of these stores has raised concerns over product authenticity. Investigations have revealed that some supposedly Russian-branded items were actually manufactured in China, leading authorities to crack down on misleading labeling.

At a Russian goods store in Beijing, a shop assistant proudly displayed the store’s best-selling products, including honey, chocolates, and biscuits. A loudspeaker played an advertisement praising Russian goods for their high quality and natural ingredients.

“This isn’t just a store; it’s a window into Russian culture,” the message declared.

Many Chinese consumers have embraced Russian products, viewing them as a better fit for their tastes. Su, a 20-year-old entrepreneur, has opened three Russian goods stores in Pingliang since September, noting that her customers favor Russian products over those from other countries.

As China and Russia grow closer, their economic ties have strengthened alongside political alignment. Public sentiment in China also leans favorably toward Russia. A recent poll from Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy found that 66% of respondents held positive views of Russia, while 76% expressed unfavorable opinions of the United States.

The surge in demand for Russian goods dates back to early 2022, when an online store endorsed by the Russian embassy in China went viral, generating millions of yuan in sales within days. Since then, Chinese consumers have continued to fuel the craze, solidifying Russia’s presence in China’s retail market.