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Zoey Zhang

Young people in China have found a new way to let off steam – travelling to Russia then donning traditional princess outfits to drive tanks and play with guns.
In July, a travel influencer known as Candy on Xiaohongshu posted videos of a trip with friends to a military camp in Moscow during winter.
The group was made up of people in their 20s, dressed in traditional and Qing dynasty (1644-1911) princess costumes. Some wield rocket launchers while others handle AK-47 rifles.
Several other young women are seen driving tanks across different types of terrain, including trenches and even through snow.

Candy explained that the weapons they used only fired blank cartridges, but still produced flashes and explosions.
She said the reason for wearing traditional Chinese costumes was to blend Chinese aesthetics with Russian military, creating a cultural collision.
The videos quickly went viral, introducing more people to Russia’s military tourism.
Moscow has a number of military experience venues.
A one-day tour typically costs 10,888 yuan (US$1,500) per person. The price includes shooting and tank driving.
Each tourist is accompanied by a Russian military expert who provides instruction and ensures personal safety.

Russia reportedly started developing military tourism in 2016 when the world’s largest tank factory opened its production line to visitors.
The idea has evolved to include a wide range of experiences.
Online sources show that, besides riding tanks and using guns, tourists can also have field rations, and take courses in assembling and disassembling automatic rifles.
For thrill-seekers, there is the opportunity to fly in an L-39 jet trainer, with a skilled pilot performing aerobatic manoeuvres such as loops, rolls, and steep climbs for about 20 minutes. This costs 8,000 yuan (US$1,000) per person.

“After watching Candy’s video, I chose to go to Moscow this summer for my graduation trip. I just stayed there for three days, but the military experience was really fun. When I launched the shells, I shouted loudly, releasing all my unhappiness,” said Yuan, 22, who went to Russia in June.
The trend sparked a heated discussion on mainland social media.
“This is so meaningful for military enthusiasts. I’m planning to go to Russia,” one person said on Xiaohongshu.
“Firing away all the stresses from life and work like bullets. This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” agreed another.
One held a different view: “Weapons are cold and cruel. I think the military may not be suitable as entertainment. There are many other ways to relax.”


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People & Culture

Moscow military experience costs US$1,500 per person, includes firing rocket launchers and shooting AK-47 rifles


Young people in China have found a new way to relax and let off steam, travelling to Russia to fire guns and drive tanks.


Russia

Tourism

Tanks for the memories: China youth let off steam with Russia war game holidays

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Moscow military experience costs US$1,500 per person, includes firing rocket launchers and shooting AK-47 rifles

Moscow military experience costs US$1,500 per person, includes firing rocket launchers and shooting AK-47 rifles