Russian school students visit Hainan University

For the visiting students, the exchange left them with a strong impression and a clear appetite for deeper ties.

Ivan Kirillov, 16, said he was drawn to the Li ethnic clothing on display, and to the parallels he saw with his own culture.

"I like the Li ethnic clothing design, and it just looks familiar to Russian national costumes, and I think they are very beautiful," he said.

Mikhail Khlebnikov, 16, said he enjoyed his time at the university.

"I really like China and its people and culture. I want to visit this country again," he said.

"At Hainan University, the cultural activities are really cool. We made different souvenirs, and we played different traditional instruments."