Chinese Village Pushkin
A picturesque 18th-century architectural ensemble in Pushkin, inspired by Chinese design, now a private hotel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Chinese Village Pushkin
Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 18th-century architectural ensemble in Pushkin, inspired by Chinese design, now a private hotel.
"Beautiful architecture, but you can only admire it from the outside as it's a private hotel."
Admire from Afar
The village is a private hotel; enjoy its beauty from the designated viewing areas. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Catherine Palace
Easily visit the Chinese Village as part of a larger trip to the Catherine Palace complex.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chinese Village Architecture
Catherine Park, Pushkin
Unique Chinese-inspired buildings with curved roofs and dragon motifs, offering a picturesque, albeit distant, view.
Imperial Grandeur
Catherine Park, Pushkin
A testament to Catherine the Great's fascination with exotic styles, showcasing a rare architectural experiment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access and Viewing
Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Admire from Afar
The village is a private hotel; enjoy its beauty from the designated viewing areas. +1 :camerawithflash:
Combine with Catherine Palace
Easily visit the Chinese Village as part of a larger trip to the Catherine Palace complex.
Understand its History
Learn about its past as a royal retreat and its reconstruction for a unique perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire from Afar
The village is a private hotel; enjoy its beauty from the designated viewing areas. +1 :camerawithflash:
Combine with Catherine Palace
Easily visit the Chinese Village as part of a larger trip to the Catherine Palace complex.
Understand its History
Learn about its past as a royal retreat and its reconstruction for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chinese Village visually striking with its unique architecture, a testament to imperial tastes. However, the primary drawback is its inaccessibility, as it's now a private hotel, limiting viewing to the exterior only. Many express a desire for greater access to appreciate its historical significance fully. +1
"The village was a group of houses built for noble guests and courtiers of Catherine II who came to the court. Rinaldi and Cameron worked on the concept of the picturesque complex in 1782-1786. During the work, deviations from the project were allowed, plus its appearance was greatly changed by its reconstruction in the 19th century. At the entrance to the street there should have been a gate, and behind the village - an eight-tiered pagoda tower, which was assigned the role of an observation tower. The complex was never completed, and subsequently much was lost.
Initially, the walls of the houses were faced with Krasnoselskaya faience tiles, but they cracked from the frost, then the buildings were plastered and painted in Chinese motifs. The roofs of the houses were curved "in Chinese style" and decorated with images of dragons. After the war, the Chinese village lay in ruins for many years. The Danish company TK Development Pushkin completely restored the Chinese village at its own expense in exchange for the right to lease it for 49 years and the right to use it as a hotel complex."
Дядя Фёдор
"The place is wonderful, but we poor people can't even get there. Everything is in fences, and in high bushes, in video cameras. And they can drive in the park."
Татьяна Ф
"Interesting buildings in Chinese style, but it is impossible to get close to them, because they are located in a closed area."
Галина Тимофеева
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chinese Village is located within the Catherine Park in Pushkin, a suburb of St. Petersburg. You can reach Pushkin by public transport, such as buses or minibuses (marshrutkas) from St. Petersburg, or by taking a train to the Pushkin railway station. From the station, you can walk or take local transport to the park entrance. +1
While the Chinese Village is a notable feature, it's part of the expansive Catherine Park. It's best to consult a park map upon arrival or follow signs for the 'Chinese Village' or 'Kitayskaya Derevnya'.
Access to the immediate vicinity of the Chinese Village is restricted as it's part of a private hotel complex. Visitors typically park outside the park and walk in.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need an entrance ticket to Catherine Park to access the area where the Chinese Village is located. The village itself is a private hotel and not open for general public entry.
No, the Chinese Village is now a private hotel complex and is not open for public interior visits. You can only admire the architecture from the outside. +1
Catherine Park generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check the official Pushkin Museum website for the most current information.
While official tours might focus more on the Catherine Palace, some private guides or tour operators may include a stop to view the Chinese Village from the exterior as part of a broader Pushkin tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the pathways surrounding the village. Look for vantage points that capture the unique rooflines and architectural details without intruding on the private property. +1
Photography from the exterior is generally permitted as you are in a public park area. However, be mindful of the private nature of the hotel and avoid photographing guests or staff.
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the colors and details of the architecture. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can also provide beautiful, soft light.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Chinese Village was constructed between 1782 and 1786 during the reign of Catherine II, as part of the grand design for Catherine Park.
The concept was developed by architects Rinaldi and Cameron, aiming to create a picturesque complex with Chinese-inspired elements.
It's named so due to its architectural style, which mimics traditional Chinese buildings with curved roofs and decorative elements, reflecting the 18th-century European fascination with Chinoiserie.
No, the village has undergone significant changes. Originally faced with faience tiles and intended to include a pagoda, it was later plastered and painted, and much was lost before a recent restoration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual novelty of the 'Chinese' buildings as a fun story element during your visit. The broader experience of visiting Pushkin, including the grandeur of the Catherine Palace, will likely be more engaging for younger visitors than the restricted Chinese Village itself.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for daytime visits to capture the best light on the buildings. While you can't get close or inside, the park pathways offer several angles to frame the village against the greenery. Be mindful of the private hotel status and focus your shots on the architecture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Style and History
Over time, the village faced alterations and damage. The initial faience tile facing proved susceptible to frost, leading to plastering and painting in Chinese motifs. The distinctive curved roofs and dragon decorations are key features that remain, offering a unique visual experience.
After years of neglect, particularly post-war, the Chinese Village was eventually restored by a Danish company. This restoration allowed it to be leased and utilized as a hotel complex, which is why direct interior access for the public is now limited.
Visitor Experience and Access
Despite the access limitations, the village remains a visually appealing part of Catherine Park. The surrounding park grounds offer good vantage points for photography, allowing visitors to capture the distinctive Chinese-inspired designs.
It's recommended to combine a visit to the Chinese Village with other attractions in Pushkin, such as the magnificent Catherine Palace and its extensive park. This allows for a fuller experience of the historical and cultural richness of the area, even with the restricted access to the village itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit