The contribution of Chinese journalist, literary scholar, translator, and public and political figure Qu Qiubo to the development of socio-political and cultural ties between China and Russia in the early 20th century is considered. The relevance of the study is determined by China’s attention to disseminating information about Chinese figures who influenced the strengthening of relations with Russia as a tool of soft power. It is shown that Qu Qiubo played an important role in changing the perceptions of Chinese society regarding the revolutionary processes occurring in Russia at the beginning of the last century. As a journalist, he comprehensively described the social processes following the 1917 revolution and demonstrated to the Chinese that the socialist revolution was inevitable and just. It is noted that the transformation of Chinese society’s attitude towards post-revolutionary Russia was influenced not only by Qu Qiubo’s activities as a publicist and social activist engaged in spreading Marxist-Leninist philosophy but also by his literary studies and translations. The authors conclude that despite his early passing, Qu Qiubo managed to influence the development of Chinese revolutionary art in the 20th century.