· Origin
The ancestors of the Russian people in China can be traced back to the Russians who migrated to China in different historical periods. Some came during the Qing Dynasty, attracted by the opportunities in trade and frontier development. Others arrived in the early 20th century due to political and economic factors in Russia, such as the Russian Revolution and subsequent social upheavals. These early immigrants gradually formed their own communities in China.

· Development
In the early days of settlement, the Russian people in China engaged in various economic activities. Many were involved in trade, taking advantage of the geographical location of their settlements along the border to conduct business with both Chinese and Russian merchants. Some also engaged in agriculture, raising crops and livestock in the fertile areas near the border. Over time, they established close relationships with the local ethnic groups, such as the Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Han Chinese, through cultural exchanges and economic cooperation.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the development of China's economy and the implementation of policies to promote ethnic minority development, the living conditions of the Russian people in China have significantly improved. They actively participate in the modernization process, contributing to the local economic and social development. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure in their communities have been enhanced, providing them with better opportunities for personal and community growth. At the same time, they strive to preserve and pass on their traditional culture to future generations.

· Quantity
As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the population of the Russian Nationality in China is approximately 16,136, making them one of the smaller ethnic minorities in the country.

· Distribution
The majority of the Russian people live in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, particularly in Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Tacheng Prefecture, and Altay Prefecture. These areas are located near the Chinese - Russian border, which has facilitated historical migration and cultural exchanges. In addition, there are small Russian communities in some northeastern provinces like Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, where they also engage in various economic and cultural activities.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the Russian economy in China was centered around agriculture and trade. In agriculture, they cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, which were well - suited to the local climate and soil conditions. They also raised livestock, including cows, sheep, and horses, for food, transportation, and agricultural work. Trade played a crucial role in their economic life, as they acted as intermediaries between China and Russia, trading goods such as furs, tea, silk, and handicrafts.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the Russian economy has diversified. Agriculture remains an important sector, but with the introduction of modern farming techniques and improved crop varieties, agricultural productivity has increased. In addition to traditional crops, they also grow fruits and vegetables for both local consumption and market sales. Trade has expanded beyond the traditional border trade to include international trade with other countries. Moreover, small - scale industries such as food processing, handicraft manufacturing, and tourism have emerged. The development of tourism has been particularly significant, as more people are interested in experiencing Russian culture, architecture, and cuisine.

· Language and Script
The Russian language belongs to the Slavic branch of the Indo - European language family. It uses the Cyrillic script, which consists of 33 letters. In China, the Russian language is taught in schools in areas with a significant Russian population, and efforts are made to promote its use and preservation through education, media, and cultural activities. Many Russian people in China are also bilingual, speaking both Russian and Chinese, which facilitates their communication and integration into Chinese society.

· Religious Beliefs
The Russian people in China are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians. The influence of Orthodox Christianity is deeply ingrained in their daily life, social customs, and cultural values. Churches are important religious and cultural centers in Russian communities, where people gather for worship, religious festivals, and social activities. Major religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas are celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving special church services, family gatherings, and feasts.

· Clothing
Traditional Russian clothing is known for its warmth and practicality, reflecting the cold climate of their homeland. Men often wear a long - sleeved shirt, trousers, and a waistcoat, sometimes accompanied by a fur hat or a traditional felt hat. Women's clothing is more elaborate, consisting of a long - sleeved blouse, a long skirt, and an apron. The blouse and skirt are often made of colorful fabrics with intricate patterns. Women also wear a headscarf or a hat, which not only serves as a fashion accessory but also has cultural and religious significance. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Chinese population in urban areas.

· Literature
Russian literature has a long and rich tradition, both in Russia and among the Russian community in China. Oral literature includes folk tales, legends, and songs, which have been passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. These stories often convey moral lessons, cultural values, and historical events. Written literature has also flourished, with works in various genres such as poetry, prose, and drama. Famous Russian writers and poets, both from Russia and the Russian community in China, have made significant contributions to the literary world, expressing the joys, sorrows, and aspirations of the Russian people. In recent years, there has been an increasing effort to translate Russian literature into Chinese to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

· Transportation
In the past, due to the geographical location and lifestyle, the Russian people mainly relied on horses, carriages, and sleds for transportation. Horses were used for long - distance travel and in agricultural work, while carriages and sleds were used for transporting goods and people within the community. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure, roads have been built in Russian - inhabited areas, and motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation. However, in some remote rural areas, traditional means of transportation are still used, especially during the winter when snow covers the ground.

· Medicine
Traditional Russian medicine has a long history and is influenced by folk medicine and medical knowledge from other cultures. Russian healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat various diseases. They also pay attention to the balance of the body's functions and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and hydrotherapy. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Russian - inhabited areas, traditional Russian medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people.

· Calendar
The Russian people mainly use the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, as it is widely used in the global context. However, they also have some traditional time - keeping methods related to agricultural activities and religious festivals. For example, they mark the beginning and end of the farming season according to natural phenomena such as the melting of snow, the blooming of flowers, and the migration of birds. They also have specific dates based on the Orthodox Christian calendar for important religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas, which are closely related to their religious beliefs and cultural traditions.

· Music
Russian music is characterized by its rich melodies and diverse rhythms, often reflecting the emotions, history, and cultural heritage of the Russian people. Folk songs are an important form of Russian music, covering topics such as love, labor, and the beauty of nature. Traditional Russian musical instruments include the balalaika (a three - stringed lute), the domra (a long - necked lute), and the accordion. During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Russian people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

· Dance
Russian dance is often performed during festivals, weddings, and social gatherings. The dances are usually energetic and expressive, with movements that are closely related to religious rituals, agricultural activities, and daily life. For example, the "Khorovod" is a traditional circular dance that symbolizes unity and harmony. The "Troika" dance imitates the movement of a three - horse sleigh, showing the Russian people's love for horses and their traditional mode of transportation. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances.

· Architecture
Traditional Russian architecture is known for its unique style, which combines elements of Byzantine, Slavic, and Western European architecture. In cities and towns, there are many well - preserved historical buildings such as churches, cathedrals, and wooden houses. These buildings often feature colorful onion - shaped domes, intricate carvings, and decorative paintings. In rural areas, Russian houses are usually built with wood, with a steeply pitched roof to prevent the accumulation of snow. The houses are designed to provide warmth and comfort in the cold winter climate. In modern times, while modern architectural styles are becoming more common, traditional architectural elements are still preserved in many historical and cultural sites.

· Arts and Crafts
Russian arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional Russian crafts include wood carving, metalwork, embroidery, and lacquer painting. Wood carving is used to create decorative elements for buildings and furniture, with beautiful floral and geometric patterns. Metalwork includes the production of jewelry, utensils, and decorative items, with detailed engraving and inlay techniques. Embroidery is a popular craft among Russian women, who use colorful threads to create intricate patterns on clothing, tablecloths, and curtains. Lacquer painting is a unique art form that originated in the town of Palekh, known for its delicate and detailed paintings on small wooden boxes.

· Etiquette
Russian etiquette is based on respect, politeness, and hospitality. When guests arrive at a Russian home, they are usually greeted warmly with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek (for close friends and relatives). The host will offer tea, coffee, or other refreshments to the guests, and it is customary to accept these offerings as a sign of respect. During meals, guests are often served the best food, and it is polite to praise the host's cooking. The Russian people also place great importance on punctuality, and it is considered rude to be late for appointments or social gatherings. In social interactions, it is important to maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in the other person.

· Marriage Customs
Russian marriage customs are a combination of traditional practices and modern influences. Marriages are usually based on love and mutual consent, but family approval is also important. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom presents an engagement ring to the bride. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that combines religious and civil elements. The bride and groom wear traditional wedding attire, and there are a series of ceremonies, such as the exchange of vows, the blessing of the elders, and the cutting of the wedding cake. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding reception to celebrate the union of the two families.

· Festivals
The Russian people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including religious festivals and traditional festivals. Easter and Christmas are the most important religious festivals, during which people go to church for prayer, participate in religious processions, and gather with family and friends for a festive meal. The "Maslenitsa" (Pancake Week) is an important traditional festival, usually celebrated in late February or early March. During this festival, people make and eat pancakes, which symbolize the sun and the end of winter. There are also various outdoor activities such as sledding, ice - skating, and folk performances. In addition, the Russian people also celebrate some national festivals such as the Spring Festival and the National Day, following the general customs of the Chinese nation.

· Diet
Russian cuisine is a delicious blend of Eastern European, Central Asian, and local flavors. Staple foods include wheat - based products such as bread ("khleb"), pancakes ("blini"), and noodles. Meat, especially beef, pork, and chicken, is an important part of the Russian diet. Common dishes include "borscht" (a beet - based soup), "pelmeni" (dumplings filled with meat), and "shashlik" (grilled meat skewers). The Russian people also like to eat dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and sour cream. Tea is an important beverage and is often served with sugar and lemon. Vodka is a traditional alcoholic beverage and is usually consumed during festivals and social gatherings.

· Funeral Customs
Russian funeral customs are based on Orthodox Christian beliefs and traditional practices. When a person dies, the family and relatives will hold a series of ceremonies to mourn the deceased. The body is usually placed in a coffin and displayed in the church or at home for a period of time. There are religious rituals performed by the priest to pray for the soul of the deceased. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there may be a period of mourning, during which the family avoids certain activities and follows specific customs to show respect for the deceased.