A symbol of friendship and a memorable gift: guest of the Department Store stand in Harbin shared her impressions of a nevalyashka
The stand of the National Centre RUSSIA became one of the most noticeable points of attraction for visitors to the 10th Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin. It presents the flagship project, Department Store, which introduces guests to goods from Russian brands, contemporary design and folk arts and crafts. Souvenir nevalyashkas (traditional Russian roly-poly dolls), are attracting particular attention, with guests choosing them for their harmonious combination of Russian colour and traditional Chinese symbols.
"I came here on a recommendation and decided to walk around and see the Russian exposition. I really liked this toy, a nevalyashka in the form of a panda. Firstly, it has Russian spirit because it rocks and returns to its original position. Secondly, it features a Chinese panda and bamboo, which symbolises the friendship between China and Russia. That is why I bought it for a child and want to keep it as a memorable gift. It is wonderful!" shared Li Dan from China.
The collection of nevalyashkas created specially for the exposition, clothing and accessories with quotes from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and folk craft items help guests look at modern Russia in a new way. They take home not a standard souvenir, but an item with history and meaning.
The stand of the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA brings together goods from different regions of the country: delicacies, accessories, tableware, folk arts and crafts, and products from contemporary brands. The stand’s decor, like a magical casket, uses sketches from "The Little Humpbacked Horse" by the famous Russian poet Pyotr Yershov, the finest handmade Kukarka lace made by craftswomen from the Kirov Region, and glazed green tiles inspired by the famous Yaroslavl majolica.
The focal detail of the stand is the exposition of the model of the new building of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, whose construction was launched by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on 26 March 2026. For the exposition in China, the image of the canopy is complemented by samples of tiles, mosaic, lace and wood that are planned for use in the future interiors of the National Centre space. The complex, covering more than 200,000 square metres, will become an architectural event of global scale and a symbol of modern Russia.
During the all-Russian survey "What does the Motherland begin with?", people across the country are answering this question in their own way, opening up the innermost corners of their souls.
Under the guidance of artisans, each guest made an unusual souvenir that can become either a personal talisman or a gift with a special story.
A special series of nevalyashkas (roly-poly dolls), prepared by the National Centre RUSSIA together with the Kotovskie Nevalyashki factory from the Tambov Region.
