Re-appropriation of Heritage: From Russian Material Heritage to Chinese Representations of the Russian Past

Since the beginning of this century, Russian-style facades and simulacra of Russian architecture have appeared in several cities located in Northeast China. Through architecture, Russian occupants tried to make these territories Russian. Since the Russians have left the territory, Chinese municipalities have built Chinese- style buildings and heritage sites proving Chinese origins have been found and interpreted in order to compete with the Western-style buildings. More recently, replicas of Russian buildings have been constructed, A few streets have been rebuilt according to the Imperial Russian architectural style and have become 'Russian scenery'.

So, how do we define Russian material heritage in Northeast China? How can we interpret this russification process? This paper will examine the ineffectuality of heritage concepts in light of this complicated blend of histories and cultures.