A delegation of China Writers Association visited Russia's cultural capital St. Petersburg on Friday for cultural exchange.

Alexei Rodionov, coordinator of the Confucius Institute of St. Petersburg State University, highlighted the recent surge of interest in Chinese literature among Russians and the plans of the local Confucius Institute to produce high-quality Russian translations of Chinese works.

Rodionov said three collections of contemporary Chinese literature were published in Russia last year, featuring works by more than 20 Chinese authors, and a fourth volume would be published jointly by the Confucius Institute and local publishing house KARO.

The group of eight Chinese writers arrived here from Moscow at the invitation of the local Confucius Institute.

Chinese poet Xiao Dai, who is on second visit to Russia, said an ever-growing number of Russian students had learned the Chinese language and culture in recent years, and Chinese authors had attached more importance to Russian literature.