Results of the first day of the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the 10th Russia-China EXPO in Harbin

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Meetings with official delegations, a visit by popular bloggers, and genuine interest from guests in Russian brands and folk crafts — this was the first day of the National Centre RUSSIA stand.

At the centre of the exposition is Department Store RUSSIA. It brings together folk arts and crafts from various regions of the country, as well as the best goods by Russian manufacturers: delicacies, accessories and tableware. A joint project by a Chinese brand and Russian artist and designer Liza Anisimova is also presented.

The National Centre RUSSIA exposition was visited by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev. Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova gave him a tour of the stand, telling him about the key ideas behind the Department Store project and the collections on display. The guest was able to see for himself how modern design solutions, the best regional brands, folk arts and crafts, and symbols of Russian-Chinese friendship are brought together in one space. Following the visit, Natalia Virtuozova presented Yury Trutnev with a sweatshirt featuring a quote by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, "Such unity is the most powerful and the strongest", as well as a Chinese-style nevalyashka (roly-poly doll) created especially for the exposition.

The Department Store stand is designed in merchant style, symbolising the interweaving of different cultures and peoples. Decorative elements, including carved window shutters, a tiled roof and regional ornaments, refer to Russia’s rich cultural legacy. Shared patterns and compositions highlight the closeness of Russian and Chinese cultures.

On the first day, the most popular items were products featuring quotes by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. International guests study the statements, translate them, ask about the context and ultimately take away sweatshirts, T-shirts and hoodies as a symbol of respect for Russia and its leader. A sweatshirt featuring the quote "Such unity is the most powerful and the strongest" became the first purchase made by a Chinese visitor, who also chose merchandise with the phrase "We must always look to the future".

"The National Centre RUSSIA stand at the Russia-China EXPO is very elegant and truly magnificent. There are very beautiful folk craft items here. My daughter and I especially liked the nevalyashka toy. We are glad to welcome guests from different countries to Harbin and invite everyone to take an active part in our expositions and events!" said a guest of the Department Store from China.

Items that combine national character, craftsmanship and a striking visual image are attracting no less attention from guests. Among the bestsellers are tableware and amber souvenirs, elegant porcelain collections, Gzhel, and Bashkir porcelain, which interested visitors with its combination of concise form and expressive ornament. Visitors actively bought nevalyashkas, including the designs created especially for the exposition in the colours of the Chinese flag and in the image of a child in a panda costume. These toys quickly became one of the stand’s most recognisable symbols.

Chocolate from Russian regions is also being actively bought both for personal enjoyment and as gifts, with visitors noting its unusual flavours and high quality. Another area that consistently draws guests is scarves and shawls. Classic Pavlovo Posad shawls and designer pieces, including those created by designer Nina Ruchkina, proved popular with visitors.

The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA in Harbin presents the country through items that carry history, craft and modern technology. It brings together delicacies, accessories, tableware and folk arts and crafts from various regions of the country. A joint project by a Chinese brand and Russian artist and designer Liza Anisimova is also presented.

The clothing and accessories collection, created at the meeting point of two cultures, shows how the legacy of Russia and China can be interpreted through the language of haute couture and contemporary art.

One of the stand’s key expositions is a model of the new National Centre RUSSIA building in Moscow on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment. The image of the pokrov (protective veil), which has become the leitmotif of the architectural concept, is presented together with samples of mosaic, glazed tiles, wood and lace that are planned for use in the interiors. Visitors learned about the future role of the new building and noted that the project would become a new point of attraction for residents and guests of Moscow, as well as a comfortable space for cultural projects, public initiatives and business communication.

The results of the first day of the Department Store stand at the 10th Russia-China EXPO show strong interest in Russian goods, folk crafts and joint creative initiatives. The National Centre RUSSIA will continue its work at the exposition, which will run until 21 May. In the coming days, guests will be able to purchase goods and learn about the traditions behind folk crafts.