TUAPSE, Russia, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A group of 184 students from China's earthquake-hit province of Sichuan arrived in West Russia's Krasnodar region on Saturday for a three-week rehabilitation visit to Russia.

　　The students, together with 19 Chinese teachers, doctors and interpreters, flew to the city of Krasnodar, capital of the Krasnodar region, on two charter flights from Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan.

　　Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang, governor of the Krasnodar region Alexander Tkachyov, and representatives of Russian students greeted them at the airport. The students resided in a children center in the Black Sea coastal city of Tuapse.

　　Liu appreciated Russia's considerate arrangements in the reception of the children. Such a move will not only further enhance the friendship between the Chinese and Russian peoples, but also be of profound significance in fostering friendship envoys between the two countries, Liu said.

　　Tkachyov hoped that the children will overcome psychological shocks brought by the disaster after recreation and relaxation in the Krasnodar region, which has beautiful natural scenery and hospitable citizens.

　　The children traveled to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who, during his visit to China in May, offered to host children from China's quake-affected areas for rehabilitation.

　　Under the plan, a total of 1,570 Chinese children will visit Russia during 2008 and 2009.