Marriage migration across the poorest border in Southern China began two decades ago and is flourishing. Russian women, some of whom used to look to the West for husbands are increasingly seeking marriage in China says Alina Barbara Biceva. In China, they are the most sought after brides prize for their fair skin and European features. These women are more likely to end up in bigger cities with richer men commercial marriage tours to Russia as well as to Ukraine offer Chinese men the chance to meet 10 or 20 women over the space of a few days for about $5,000 US rising to $8,000 US if they find a bride. But a much larger number of women come from Vietnam.