By Elena Sunbeam, Organizer of the World Content Market – Moscow
Chinese content is thriving in Russia like never before. From animated hits and documentaries to major films and top-rated dramas, Chinese stories are making their way into Russian homes, cinemas, and streaming platforms—and audiences are embracing them with growing enthusiasm.
Russia’s television landscape is vast and influential. Nearly 99% of the population watches TV, and leading national channels such as Russia-1, NTV, and Channel One dominate the airwaves. Many of these are now actively broadcasting Chinese content.
One of major drivers of this cultural exchange is National Media Group, Russia’s largest private media holding. This year, it acquired more than 130 Chinese titles—spanning drama series, films, animation, and documentaries—for 11 of its major channels. This acquisition marks a strategic turning point in bringing Chinese content to mainstream Russian audiences.
Meanwhile, children’s content is leading the charge on Russian television. Carousel, the country’s most popular kids’ channel and part of Channel One Worldwide, continues to build a strong lineup of Chinese animation. The channel features series from leading studios such as Wingsing Animation, Alpha Group, Fantawild Animation, and Guangzhou Lotta Animation. Beloved titles like “Go Go Dino”, “Boonie Bears”, “Go Go Bus”, “CG Bond”, and “Super Wings” are capturing the imagination of young viewers and helping to position Chinese animation as a key part of children’s programming in Russia.
The Russian state cultural TV channel Kultura continues to strengthen its documentary programming with high-quality Chinese productions. Following the success of “Blue World” from CCTV during the 2023–2024 season, the channel has confirmed a new slate of Chinese acquisitions for 2025. The upcoming titles include “History of China” from China Movie Channel, “The Grand Canal” co-produced by JSBC and National Geographic, and “The Power of Nature” from CCTV. These programs are expected to further enhance cultural exchange and deepen Russian audiences’ understanding of China’s history, environment, and heritage. Kultura, known for its dedication to arts, history, and educational content, is becoming a key platform for showcasing China’s rich documentary storytelling.
Chinese cinema is also gaining ground. Russian distributor SB FILM has partnered with Beijing Filmtag to release three major films starring the legendary Andy Lau: the crime thriller “I Did it My Way”, the action-packed “High Forces”, and the financial thriller “The Trading Floor”. Another high-profile release, “Born to Fly”, was a success in Russian theaters and has since moved to television and streaming platforms.
OTT platforms—Russia’s fastest-growing media sector—have become a key outlet for Chinese content. Today, more than 51% of city residents subscribe to streaming services. Platforms such as Ivi, Kinopoisk, Wink, Okko, Kion, and Start all include Chinese content in their libraries. They offer a range of movies, drama series, formats, animation, documentaries, and entertainment shows. Chinese content is selected not only for its visual quality and emotional power but also for its adaptability to Russian culture.
Among all genres, Chinese drama is by far the most popular. According to Kinopoisk, the top-rated Chinese dramas in Russia with scores between 7.4 and 8.8 included in 2024: “The Double”, “Blossoms in Adversity”, “The Tale of Rose”, “The Legend of Shen Li”, “Amidst a Snowstorm of Love”, “To the Wonder”, “Everyone Loves Me”, “Best Choice Ever”, “Will Love in Spring”, and “War of Faith”.
These dramas connect with Russian audiences through universal themes like love, family, justice, loyalty, and personal growth. Their strong production values, compelling characters, and emotional storytelling have made them standout successes.
This boom in Chinese content is happening at the perfect time. The years 2024 and 2025 are officially designated as the China–Russia Years of Culture, encouraging stronger cultural and media cooperation. Trade between the two countries is reaching record levels, and television and film are now part of that growing relationship.
A notable example is the launch of “Magnolia Time”, a Chinese TV channel in Moscow created by SMG Wings Media and Russian partners. Its mission: to deliver Chinese series, films, and cultural programs directly to Russian viewers.
World Content Market – Moscow has become a key hub for B2B meetings between Chinese content sellers and Russian buyers. This spring, large delegations from China engaged with over 150 Russian TV channels, 40 OTT platforms, and 250 content distributors. China Pavilion, led by SMG/Wings Media, was the centerpiece of these meetings—highlighting the strength and diversity of Chinese content across all genres. It drew strong interest from Russian buyers and reinforced the growing appeal of Chinese storytelling in the Russian market. Discussions focused on content sales, co-productions, joint ventures, and the development of new projects for the future.
Russia is open, ready, and eager for Chinese content. Audiences are growing, platforms are expanding, and opportunities are multiplying.
Let your stories travel. Let your content find new fans. The next chapter of Chinese storytelling in Russia is just beginning – and it looks very bright.