The Khabarovsk region secured approval for its project to create a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA
On 19 March, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted presentations of project proposals for branches in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Among other regions, the Khabarovsk region presented its concept. The presentation was delivered by Governor Dmitry Demeshin.
The project review was led by the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the National Centre RUSSIA, Sergei Kiriyenko, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee, Maxim Oreshkin.
The uniqueness of the project presented by the Khabarovsk region lies in its cross-border location: the branch is intended to become a point of attraction not only for residents of the region and the country, but also for visitors from China. The space is planned to be located on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island — a territory of significant geopolitical and symbolic importance.
"I believe it is symbolic to choose the cross-border Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island as the location for the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA. For China, the island is the country’s easternmost point. I am confident that it will become not only a symbol of friendship and peace, pride and aspiration, but also a centre for the development of two great nations," said Governor of the Khabarovsk Region Dmitry Demeshin.
The creation of the branch is part of a development roadmap for the island approved by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Yury Trutnev, in fulfilment of instructions from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The National Centre RUSSIA in the Khabarovsk region is therefore intended not only as an exposition space but also as a driver for the development of the surrounding territory. The project is expected to attract up to 500,000 additional Chinese tourists annually.
The concept combines modern technologies with the region’s unique cultural identity. As Dmitry Demeshin emphasised, the architectural design reflects the region’s natural and historical landmarks, including the Amur Pillars and the famous petroglyphs of Sikachi-Alyan.
The project also provides for a division into exposition and congress zones. Its central element will be the exposition "Journey Across Russia", presenting the country’s scale and diversity through modern multimedia formats. The space will also include Gastronomic Rows, the Department Store RUSSIA, and a unique children’s area styled after Dmitry Nagishkin’s "Amur Tales", featuring illustrations by People’s Artist of the RSFSR Gennady Pavlishin.
The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to showcase achievements and foster a sense of pride in the country.
At present, branches of the National Centre RUSSIA are open in the Primorye region, the Krasnoyarsk region, and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra. In 2026, new spaces are planned to open in the Ryazan region and the hero city of Sevastopol. On 19 March, eight regions presented their projects: the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Nizhny Novgorod region, the Yaroslavl region, the Kaliningrad region, the Kirov region, the Khabarovsk region, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, and the Republic of Karelia. All branch concepts have been approved with different stages and timelines for implementation.
The Literary Club "What to Read?!" is a space for those who want not only to read, but also to think independently, discuss books and learn more about their authors.
The chefs demonstrated that the richness of Lenten cuisine is not a compromise, but an opportunity to reveal the character of a region through flavour and respect for ingredients.
The award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian contest "History of Russia Through My Eyes" was held on 21 March at the National Centre RUSSIA.
