Panda Vibes & Chinatown Flavours
Explore the capital’s cultural and culinary ties to China, starting with the Moscow Zoo
On August 24, Katyusha, the first giant panda born in Russia, celebrates her second birthday. To mark the occasion, Discover Moscow has created a special route through the city. Explore Chinese culture and the symbols of the Middle Kingdom in Moscow!
Starting Point: Moscow Zoo
Giant pandas have been living in the Russian capital since 2019. These charming black-and-white bears can eat up to 30–40 kilograms of bamboo a day and are considered a national treasure of China. Among them is Katyusha, a giant panda born in 2023, the very first panda cub born in Russia. She is the daughter of Ru Yi and Ding Ding, two pandas who arrived in Moscow from China under the Agreement on Joint Conservation and Research of the Giant Panda.
On 24 August, the Moscow Zoo will mark Katyusha’s second birthday with a festive programme. Visitors can enjoy a colourful Chinese show, guided tours, workshops, lectures, interactive quests, and a special film screening dedicated to Russia’s first panda cub. Visit the zoo to meet the birthday girl in person.
Yet if you can't make it on her special day, can't wait another minute, or would like to see her any time you wish, just watch a live stream at onlinezoo.moscow.
Culture: China in the City
Where Moscow Meets the Middle Kingdom
Explore the city’s cultural ties to China through art, heritage sites, and design. At the State Museum of Oriental Art, you can trace centuries of Asian art — from ancient ritual objects and Buddhist sculptures to vibrant paintings and decorative works that reflect China's diverse traditions. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and performances, giving visitors a fresh perspective on Asian culture in general.
For a hidden gem, stop by First Moscow Oriental Painting Gallery. Though small, it offers a carefully curated glimpse into how Chinese artists interpret classical motifs and modern life.
If you're looking for a place with a slower pace and pleasurable atmosphere, head to Huamin Park. Landscaped with bridges, pavilions, and Chinese-style water features, it's a pocket of serenity in the city, perfect for a quiet walk or reflection.
Rituals and Traditions
Discover Moscow recommends: A Taste of Chinese hospitality
Tea is at the heart of Chinese culture, and in Moscow, you will experience it in many forms. Step into Dom Chaya on Myasnitskaya Street, a historic shop that has supplied Muscovites with Chinese tea for more than a century, a living reminder of the city's commercial ties to China.
For an authentic experience, try a traditional tea ceremony at the Moychay.ru tea club. Skilled masters will guide you through the ritual, showing you how to savour the aromas, textures, and slow rhythm of the brewing process.
Prefer something playful? At TEACHA Café, milk tea comes with colourful details, modern twists, and charming souvenirs — from Chinese-style fans to toys — making it as much an aesthetic stop as a tasty one.
A Culinary Journey to China
Discover Moscow recommends: From Quick Bites to Fine Dining
Whether you’re in the mood for a refined dinner, a casual snack, or street-food flavours, Moscow has Chinese restaurants to match every taste and pace. Here are a few places worth adding to your list.
Sweet Discoveries
After a meal, why not take a little something with you? At Krasny Drakon, you’ll find shelves filled with Chinese snacks, remarkable sweets, and treats that are hard to find elsewhere in Moscow. Keep enjoying the flavours of your journey once you've returned to your everyday life.
