customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

summary

updatedDate

knowledgeQuestion

disableOffPlatformContent

published

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

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.”


Struggling China couple, already have 2 girls, welcome quadruplets, criticised for donation plea

Swim champion Zhang Yufei winner of most medals in China Olympic history misses hometown soup

‘Heartbroken’ Thai trans woman seeks revenge by scamming 73 men out of US$880,000 over 13 years

Trending in China

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

Young people from China have found a new way to let off steam, playing with weapons of war in Russia. Photo: SCMP composite/Xiaohongshu

A young tourist from China dressed in traditional gear holds a hand grenade in the Russian snow. Photo: Xiaohongshu

China cosplay travellers to the Moscow military camp show off their guns. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Dressed to kill: the group’s tank-driving exploits in Russia have made a splash on mainland social media. Photo: Xiaohongshu

China critics pan AI ‘rejuvenation’ of Jackie Chan in new film ‘A Legend’

Jackie Chan’s new film “A Legend” uses artificial intelligence technology to make the film icon look younger, but movie fans are not impressed. Photo: SCMP composite/IMDb/IG@jackiechan

The real Jackie Chan dressed in armour before the intervention of artificial intelligence. Photo: Bona Film Group

The AI-improved Jackie Chan at which critics have taken aim. Photo: Bona Film Group

The new movie, which premiered in China on July 10, has not gone down well with movie fans. Photo: Bona Film Group

Trouble brews for China coffee chain after jobseeker rejected for being ‘timid, weak’

China’s biggest coffee chain has been accused of rudeness over the manner in which it rejected a woman who applied for a job. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo


The coffee shop told the woman she did not have enough experience to serve coffee. Photo: Shutterstock 

Last year, China overtook the United States with the most branded coffee shops in the world. Photo: Shutterstock

China KOL berated for taking cash tips while live-streaming from rescue boat in severe floods

An online celebrity in China has been slammed for accepting cash tips while she live-streamed from a rescue boat during severe flooding in the south of the country. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin


Zhang has been unrepentant about her actions during the floods which were among the worst in recent times. Photo: Douyin

As floods engulfed landmarks in the area Zhang kept the live-stream camera focused on herself. Photo: Douyin

China Xiaohongshu users unite to help older strangers akin to caring for own parents

Young people in China have launched a Good Samaritan-like initiative on social media to help older strangers in need. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Xiaohongshu

One slogan used in the campaign is “shared son” as seen on the T-shirt worn above. Photo Xiaohongshu

Young people are helping out strangers in a myriad of ways, like carrying heavy items for them. Photo Xiaohongshu

More and more young people are joining the campaign via the Xiaohongshu social media platform. Photo: Xiaohongshu 

Thai man offers heads of 99 pigs to Buddhist deity who ‘gave’ him wife and children

A grateful man in Thailand has gifted 99 pig heads to a Buddhist deity after his wishes for a wife and children were realised. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Khaosod

The 99 pig heads in all their glory. In Thai culture the number nine and multiples of it are considered fortuitous. Photo: Khaosod

Offering rituals involving pigs and other items are common across Asia in countries with large populations of Chinese descent. Photo: Shutterstock

News

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