In Ergun, China, a town designed with Russian architectural features and Cyrillic signs to attract tourists exists with virtually no Russian residents. The town, along with the nearby township of Enhe, was established by the Chinese government ostensibly to preserve the traditions of China's small Russian minority.

These settlements, located in a remote area of northern China near the Russian border, feature Siberia-style log cabins, birch trees, and even vodka, evoking a sense of Russian culture. The initiative comes as Russia, under President Vladimir V. Putin, has been engaged in a conflict on its western border, asserting the need to protect Russian language and culture in neighboring Ukraine.

However, while Russia focuses on preserving its cultural influence in Europe, its presence has significantly diminished in this area of China, more than 3,000 miles to the east. The area, once a foreign outpost of Russian language and culture, is now largely devoid of actual Russians.

The Chinese government's investment in these towns reflects a broader strategy of developing tourism and promoting a specific narrative of multiculturalism within its borders. While the architecture and signage suggest a strong Russian influence, the reality on the ground is that the towns primarily cater to Chinese tourists seeking a taste of "Russian" culture.

The situation highlights the complex interplay of cultural preservation, national identity, and geopolitical strategy. While Russia is actively engaged in conflicts to maintain its cultural sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, its cultural footprint in parts of Asia is fading, replaced by a curated version of Russian culture designed for tourism and domestic consumption.