About me
My name is Polina Berestova, and I am a sinologist from Saint Petersburg, Russia. Since the beginning of my studies, I have been deeply passionate about China—its history, language, and culture.
Combining academic research with practical experience, I have worked on different chinese projects, participated in international conferences, and engaged in cross-cultural and business communication. My expertise spans oriental studies, international trade, and foreign economic activity and management, allowing me to navigate both academic and professional fields. Always eager to grow, I continue to expand my knowledge and skills, seeking new challenges and opportunities to connect China and the world.I am a Master’s degree student at the Graduate School of Management (GSOM), St. Petersburg State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Oriental Studies. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on China’s history, language, culture, economics, and international relations. After graduation, I decided to broaden my professional skill set and enrolled in the Master in Management program at GSOM. I continuously develop my expertise by participating in research, professional training, and new projects that strengthen my competencies in both fields.
My skills
I am an orientalist and translator with expertise in the Chinese language and a strong focus on China’s business and management context. I hold a degree in Oriental Studies and have practical experience working with Chinese-related projects. My skill set is well suited for organizations and projects that require an understanding of the Chinese economy, language, and cultural specifics.
My key strengths
Ongoing learning
I am constantly learning new skills and staying up to date with the latest trends so that I can provide the highest quality services.
Language
Proficient in Chinese (HSK 5, HSKK), English (B2), and elementary Japanese. I provide precise and culturally nuanced translations for your purposes.
International trade and managerial skills
I have gained practical experience and solid foundational knowledge in Foreign Economic Activity (FEA) and international trade, enabling me to navigate global business environments.
Certificates
Here you can find all my certificates and additional info.
Click on the section to explore
Click on the section to explore
Feedbacks
反馈
Creator of the “Eastern Forest” event agency and the author of a unique cultural project “Saint Petersburg with a Chinese Touch”
In St. Petersburg, there are at least 50,000 Chinese residents, and the curiosity about China among locals is off the charts. But despite the growing interest, many people don't know where to turn for answers to their questions. As a passionate fan of Chinese culture and history, I wanted to share my knowledge and bring the fascinating world of China closer to others. That's how I started my blog, where I dive into Chinese traditions and life, and later launched an event agency offering immersive cultural experiences with a Chinese twist.
We organize city tours, cultural festivals, lectures, and masterclasses that explore how Russia’s cultural capital is connected to China, why Russia has been so intrigued by China over the years, and much more. Our formats include walking tours, culture festivals, “around the Chinese table” food lectures, workshops, etc. In just two years, we've led over 100 trips for a wide range of audiences, sparking curiosity and bridging cultures along the way!
Oh my blog We organize city tours, cultural festivals, lectures, and masterclasses that explore how Russia’s cultural capital is connected to China, why Russia has been so intrigued by China over the years, and much more. Our formats include walking tours, culture festivals, “around the Chinese table” food lectures, workshops, etc. In just two years, we've led over 100 trips for a wide range of audiences, sparking curiosity and bridging cultures along the way!
Cooperation with leading Russian and Chinese theatres
Since 2025, I have been actively involved in the management of international theatre festivals as a Delegate Manager and theatre consultant for Russia–China cultural projects. My professional focus lies at the intersection of creative industries, cultural diplomacy, and international arts management, with a long-term goal of developing my career in production and arts management connected with China.Within just one year, I have worked with leading Chinese cultural institutions and artists, including Beijing People’s Art Theatre (北京人民艺术剧院), Feng Yuanzheng (冯远征), Pu Cunxin (濮存昕), Xizang Theatre Group (西藏话剧团), and Xie Xin Dance Theatre (谢欣舞蹈剧场). On the Russian side, I have collaborated with major theatres such as BDT, Alexandrinsky Theatre, and Baltic House Theatre.
My responsibilities include organizing and coordinating the stay of international delegations, managing interviews and media communications, providing professional interpretation, curating cultural programs, and supporting cross-cultural collaboration throughout festival and project workflows.
My responsibilities include organizing and coordinating the stay of international delegations, managing interviews and media communications, providing professional interpretation, curating cultural programs, and supporting cross-cultural collaboration throughout festival and project workflows.
Participation in the "View towards the East" theater festival and accompanying the actors of
the Zhejiang Song and Dance Theatre (浙江话剧团)
the Zhejiang Song and Dance Theatre (浙江话剧团)
As part of the 34th international theater festival "View towards the East" at the Baltic House, the play "The Wonderful World of Mountains and Seas" (山海奇幻约梦) was showcased. I was fortunate to be directly involved in this event, accompanying the theater troupe and assisting with stage setup translation. During this time, I took on various roles: translating negotiations, conducting tours, translating interviews with actors for news outlets, and helping with the stage assembly.
Festival poster
Interview with Mr. Liu Yang 刘洋 , former producer of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the New Business Model Development Committee of the China Performance Industry Association
Interview with Mr. Liu Yang 刘洋
Negotiation process
The group photo of the Zhejiang theater group
Event in honor of the theater troupe's arrival
Event in honor of the theater troupe's arrival
Participation in the theater conference
The process of taking an interview with actors
Stage setup
Stage setup translation
Organizing committee of Zhejiang troupe
Group photo of the Zhejiang actors troupe
Event in honor of the theater troupe's arrival
Rehearsal before the performance
Translation of the actor's interview for the news
Translation of the actor's interview for the news
Participation in the theater conference
Saint Petersburg international 10th and 11th forum of United Cultures
In September 2024, I had the honor of accompanying the Chinese delegation from the National Center for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院), led by Mr. Wang Ning 王宁. The forum hosted numerous cultural figures not only from Russia and China but also from around the world.
In 2025, I was invited to participate in the forum again. This time, I acted as a delegate manager and interpreter, providing full translation support for the Movie Industry section of the forum.
In 2025, I was invited to participate in the forum again. This time, I acted as a delegate manager and interpreter, providing full translation support for the Movie Industry section of the forum.
11th forum of United Cultures
Me with a special pass
Members of NCPA delegation
A photo of me with the renowned Chinese writer Liu Zhenyun 刘震云
The head of the National Centre for the Perfoming Arts Mr. Wang Ning 王宁 and Liu Zhenyun 刘震云
Mr. Wang Ning at the Pushkin Museum
Plenary session on theater culture
Volunteering at the Russian Embassy in Beijing during President Putin's visit
In May 2024, in cooperation with the Russian Embassy in Beijing, I accompanied Russian delegates and assisted in organizing the visit of the President of the Russian Federation to Beijing. Additionally, I contributed to the coordination of various cultural events at the Russian Embassy in Beijing.
Organizing the President's visit at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Organizing the President's visit
The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse 钓鱼台
Doing organization work at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Preparing for the event at the National Centre for the Perfoming Arts
Participation in the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to Soviet soldiers in Chengde
Working as a consecutive Russian-Chinese interpreter
I work as a consecutive interpreter at various forums, negotiations, b2b meetings, exhibitions and machinery setups. Among my clients are Shanghai Camy co (coal mining), Industrial technologies (spaceship), NLMK (metallurgy), Gazprom (oil and gas), URENT (carsharing), Ningbo KeyDaily (dairy products), Nutrilent (pharma), R-line (logistics), etc.
Coal Mining Equipment Exhibition in Novokuznetsk
Coal Mining Equipment Exhibition in Novokuznetsk
Coal Mining Equipment Exhibition in Novokuznetsk
Providing translation during air compressor industry congress
Why choose me? Expertise meets passion
- Wang Kai 王凯Legal representative of Ningbo KeyDaily international trade Co.Ltd
宁波凯意德国际贸易有限公司的法定代表人I had the pleasure of working with Polina during a B2B meeting, where she provided excellent translation services, ensuring smooth communication between our teams. Her knowledge of both Chinese and Russian business environments were key in facilitating discussions. Polina also helped us find reliable suppliers, showing her skills in international trade and business negotiations. Her professionalism and attention to detail made her an invaluable partner, and I highly recommend her for any business-related translation or international trade needs. - Gao Ruixue 高瑞雪Deputy Minister of Art Exchange Department in China National Centre for the Performing Arts
国家大剧院的艺术交流部副部长Polina, thank you very much for the professional assistance and support you provided to the delegation of the National Centre for the Performing Arts during the 10th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum! Your help enabled us to have a delightful time in beautiful St. Petersburg. We truly cherish the invaluable opportunity to participate in the cultural forum time and time again. We look forward to working together in the future to further strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia. - Zhai Ping 翟平Office manager in China National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
国家大剧院的办公室主任Polina, assigned by the forum organizing committee to provide service support for the President of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mr. Wang Ning 王宁, demonstrated exceptional language proficiency and a warm service attitude. While ensuring smooth conference services, she also helped us gain a deeper understanding of the local culture of St. Petersburg. We would like to extend our special gratitude to Polina for her dedicated service to our theater’s president, as well as to the organizing committee for their thoughtful arrangements!
| Future plans In the near future, I plan to further enhance my expertise in international business and develop my own business ventures in China. This website serves as a portfolio showcasing my skills, achievements, and experience across various fields. I look forward to the opportunity to refine my ideas and expand my professional horizons within this esteemed academic environment. |
Thank you for visiting my website!
www.whoisberestova.ru
