The National Centre RUSSIA to showcase products by Russian manufacturers at trade fair in China

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The National Centre RUSSIA will be presented in China for the first time at the 10th Russia–China EXPO with its flagship project, the Department Store. This will be the Centre's second international appearance. From 17 to 21 May, products made by Russian manufacturers from different regions of the country will be showcased there, and visitors to the stand of the National Centre will be able to discover and purchase them.

The Department Store's exposition is dedicated to the symbolic interweaving of cultures and peoples. Decorative elements of the stand — window shutters, tiled roofs, regional ornaments, beads and natural materials — will highlight the richness and vast cultural heritage of Russia's regions. The ornaments and decorative compositions will also demonstrate the cultural connections between Russia and China.

The stand will feature products from 60 Russian manufacturers representing 41 regions across five categories: "Delicacies", "Accessories", "Traditional Folk Arts and Crafts", "Tableware", as well as a special collection featuring quotes by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Visitors will also be introduced to an exclusive collaborative project between a Chinese brand and Russian artist and designer Liza Anisimova, revealing the artistic dialogue between Russia and China through the language of haute couture and contemporary art. Each look combines original hand-drawn graphics, impeccable craftsmanship and refined silhouettes inspired by the heritage of the two great cultures.

To introduce Chinese audiences to Russian folk crafts, the stand of the National Centre RUSSIA will host an extensive cultural programme. A craftswoman from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) will hold a masterclass on weaving with horsehair, which is one of the region's oldest traditional crafts. A representative from the Ryazan Region will introduce visitors to the art of Mikhailov lace-making. This unique folk craft is known for its brightly coloured lace, handmade on bobbins using a continuous weaving technique without breaking the thread throughout the entire piece. Traditionally, such lace was used to decorate linen garments and household textiles. In addition, a craftswoman from the Sverdlovsk Region will present traditional woodcraft and demonstrate the technique of Ural decorative painting. Demonstration performances and masterclasses on traditional crafts will take place on 17 and 18 May.

A special collection of roly-poly dolls will be presented exclusively for the EXPO at the stand of the Department Store. One of the dolls is designed in the traditional colours of the People's Republic of China — red and yellow — as a sign of respect for the culture, heritage and spirit of the Chinese people. The doll's costume is decorated with an image of wild plum, a symbol of renewal, resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties. The second doll is presented as a child dressed in a panda costume. The panda is featured there as one of the main symbols of friendship, harmony and warm relations between Russia and China.

The roly-poly doll's smile and bright costume symbolise optimism and vitality, while its ability to always return to its upright position represents resilience, inner strength and faith in a better future. The doll serves as a reminder that, whatever challenges may arise, it is important to remain confident and keep moving forward.

In addition, the stand of the National Centre RUSSIA will feature a model of the Centre's future building. On 26 March 2026, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin launched the construction of the building by personally initiating the works at the construction site. The future building is set to become an architectural landmark of global significance and a symbol of modern Russia. The total area of the complex will exceed 200,000 square metres, with exposition spaces alone occupying around 50,000 square metres, while the entire site will cover more than 14 hectares. The Centre will be able to accommodate approximately 20,000 visitors at the same time.

The Russia–China EXPO is a trade and industrial platform for partnership, investment and technological exchange between Russia and China. The event has been held annually since 2014, alternating between the two countries: in Russia, as part of the INNOPROM International Industrial Trade Fair in Yekaterinburg, and in China, within the framework of the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair.