Festive events marking the Lunar New Year began in Moscow on Monday, with celebrations set to run for two weeks at various venues across the city.
Streets were decorated with red lanterns and dragon figures, while residents and tourists visited outdoor exhibitions, food stalls and souvenir markets.
Traditional performances and live music were also staged. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the annual festival has grown in popularity.
This year marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.