The National Centre RUSSIA takes part in the Russia-China EXPO in Harbin for the first time

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The anniversary 10th Russia-China EXPO, a key platform for strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Russia and China, has opened in Harbin. The National Centre RUSSIA is taking part in the exposition for the first time with its flagship project, the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"For the National Centre RUSSIA, it is important that Harbin has become our next international destination. Russia is well known and loved here, and much in this city resonates with us. We have brought to China not just a showcase of goods, but a piece of our heart: our crafts from all regions of the country, including crystal, porcelain, amber, shawls, furs, delicacies and much more. Our stand tells a story about traditional values. Every item contains family, labour and the memory of the place where it was created. We invite all visitors to feel this through respect for handcraft, for history and for the image of Russia as a common home for many peoples," said Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova.

From 17 to 21 May, the National Centre stand will present goods from 60 Russian manufacturers from different regions of Russia. The exposition covers 5 thematic areas: "Delicacies", "Accessories", "Folk Arts and Crafts", "Tableware", as well as a special collection of items featuring quotes by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

The stand design symbolises the interweaving of Russian and Chinese cultures. Decorative elements, including window shutters, a tiled roof, regional patterns, natural materials and beads, highlight the rich cultural legacy of Russia’s regions, while ornaments and compositions show the common ground shared by 2 great civilisations. Like a magical casket, the stand’s decor features sketches based on "The Little Humpbacked Horse" by the famous Russian poet Pyotr Yershov, the finest handmade Kukarka lace created by craftswomen from the Kirov Region, and green glazed tiles inspired by the famous Yaroslavl majolica.

A special place at the stand is given to an exclusive joint project: a haute couture collection by a Chinese brand and Russian designer Liza Anisimova. Each look combines original hand-drawn graphics, impeccable execution and silhouettes inspired by the legacy of both countries.

Guests can look forward to workshops by Russian craftswomen: weaving items from horsehair from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), a demonstration of Mikhailov lace-making from the Ryazan Region, a unique craft involving coloured lace woven on bobbins using a continuous technique, as well as a demonstration of Ural painting and artistic woodwork from the Sverdlovsk Region.

A collection of nevalyashkas (roly-poly dolls), symbols of friendship, has been created especially for the EXPO. Among them are a toy in the traditional colours of China, red and yellow, with an image of a wild plum, a symbol of renewal and resilience, as well as a nevalyashka in the image of a child in a panda costume, a symbol of harmony and warm relations between Russia and China.

A model of the new building of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment has become an accent feature of the stand. Construction was launched by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on 26 March 2026. As part of the exposition in China, the image of the pokrov (a protective veil) is complemented by samples of glazed tiles, mosaic, lace and wood that are planned for use in the future interiors of the National Centre space. The future complex, with an area of more than 200 thousand square metres, will become an architectural event of global scale and a symbol of modern Russia.

The Russia-China EXPO has been held annually since 2014, alternating between host countries: in Russia, at the International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM in Yekaterinburg, and in China, as part of the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair. The event serves as a platform for partnership, investment and technology exchange between the two countries.