Attraction

Most Buryats practice Buddhism. A Buddhist temple‑monastery (datsan) existed in Chita in the early 20th century but was destroyed during the Soviet antireligious campaign. The present datsan building was constructed and consecrated relatively recently, in 2010. The three‑storey datsan is decorated with garlands of multicoloured prayer flags—believed to carry messages on the wind. Around the temple are pavilions where lamas hold meetings with visitors, and incense burners where worshippers can leave offerings. The datsan is open to people of all faiths: you can ask lamas for help and support, attend a service, or simply walk the grounds. According to the sacred circumambulation (goroo), visitors should walk around the temple from left to right an odd number of times to seal good intentions in the heart. Visitors may enter only the first floor; the second floor is reserved for monks. Nearby is the popular restaurant "Zvezda Kochevnika" ("Star of the Nomad"), where you can try Buryat‑Mongolian cuisine.