The article is devoted to the consideration of socio-cultural factors that infl uence the process of integration and specifi cs of the formation of the professional identity of Chinese students - performing musicians in the system of Russian music education. The formation of a professional music system in China is marked by the beginning of the 20th century. This time is associated with the formation of musical performance, which becomes possible under the infl uence of European musical traditions of concert activity. The opening and functioning of higher musical institutions in China – the Shanghai State Conservatory (1927) and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing (1949) – contribute to the development of professional music education. The important period in the development of professional music in China is the emigration of Russian musicians, whose work had a signifi cant impact on musical life in China in the fi rst half of the 20th century. At the same time, today there is a growing interest in Russian music education among Chinese students, which is growing in the context of strengthening Russian-Chinese cooperation. The article analyzes the empirical data of the qualitative interview with Chinese students (N = 20) of Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov. On the basis of the analyzed empirical data the demand for Russian music education among Chinese students and their high value of assessment of the musical traditions of the Russian national music and performing school, which is undoubtedly attractive in choosing a country for education were confi rmed. At the same time, the factors infl uencing the successful cultural integration of Chinese students into the educational environment are considered.