Attractions — Zabaykalsky

The Vysokogorye complex consists of several pistes for skiers and snowboarders with T-bar and children's/beginner lifts. There are three runs in total: a beginner green run, the main blue run and a de facto red run that is groomed alongside the main one but follows a steeper line with more challenging sections. In addition, Vysokogorye offers toboggan and tube runs, a large ice rink and a rental centre for equipment (skates, skis, snowboards, protective gear). Equipment is rented only against a document deposit. Weekends in season are busy, but long queues are uncommon. A taxi from the city centre reaches the mountain in 20–30 minutes; the ride costs 500–800 rubles depending on the day of the week and time of day. In winter (the season runs from early December to the end of March) the resort runs a shuttle transfer from the centre — check the timetable in the VK group or the Telegram channel, where you can also find up-to-date information on opening hours and rental prices.

The botanical garden was founded only in 1990, initially as a laboratory; greenhouses and a nursery were later built for acclimatizing and introducing imported plants. The collection includes some 1,400 plant species and several themed displays. The garden is still developing and may not impress experienced travelers. You can book a visit, a guided tour, a photo session or a workshop on the official website. Visits without prior booking are not possible.

Mineral springs in this area have been known since the 19th century, and the resort is over 90 years old. It is located in the valley of the Kuka River, among coniferous forests and low hills. People come here for fresh air and quiet. The mineral water “Kuki” is a lightly mineralized, carbonated ferruginous hydrocarbonate, magnesium‑calcium water. It is used for gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, liver and gallbladder conditions, nervous system issues and musculoskeletal diseases. The sanatorium offers mineral baths, hydromassage, mud therapy, inhalations, massages and physiotherapy. In 2022 the resort underwent a major renovation and rebranding. You can book a room and treatments at the official website. Double rooms start from 6 500 rubles; the price includes four meals a day. Sanatorium treatments and spa services can be booked selectively on the site or upon arrival after consultation with specialists. How to get there: bus 109a runs from Chita’s bus station to Kuka; the trip takes about 1.5 hours. If you buy a package on the website, you can use the transfer to the sanatorium free of charge.

A shop selling books and handmade goods (cosmetics, candles, souvenirs).

A chain of cafes specializing in Buryat and Chinese cuisine. Locals come here primarily for buuz (poz) — a national Buryat dish similar to manti. An adult usually has a portion of three to four buuz. One meat buuz costs 100 rubles; there are vegetarian options with cheese or vegetables. You can also try huushuur (Buryat fried pies) — 230 rubles for two, ereelzhe (liver sausages) — 320 rubles, and sharbin (fried buuz) — 125 rubles each.

Shumov Palace was built in the 1910s at the request of local industrialists, the Shumov brothers. In Soviet times it was handed over to the KGB.

The Army Headquarters is housed in a largely pre‑revolutionary building that has been rebuilt.

Products from Zabaykalsky Krai: herbal teas, pine‑cone jam, kernels, oil, pine‑nut press cake (zhmykh), bath and sauna goods, and souvenirs.

At the farm you can stay overnight in simple cabins with a sauna and a barbecue on the lakeshore; in the summer season of 2026 cabins with showers will be added. Among the activities the farm also offers fishing and rides on an all‑terrain vehicle. Phones for booking: +7 914 524 69 04, +7 914 504 19 79.

The farm offers fishing, horseback rides, ATV and all‑terrain vehicle tours. Admission without overnight stay costs 500 rubles per person; children under eight are free. Accommodation costs 1 500 rubles per person per night. Phone for inquiries and bookings: +7 924 578-50-00.

A chain of cafes specializing in Buryat and Chinese cuisine. Locals come here primarily for buuz (poz) — a national Buryat dish similar to manti. An adult usually has a portion of three to four buuz. One meat buuz costs 100 rubles; there are vegetarian options with cheese or vegetables. You can also try huushuur (Buryat fried pies) — 230 rubles for two, ereelzhe (liver sausages) — 320 rubles, and sharbin (fried buuz) — 125 rubles each.

The gymnasium, built in the classical style, still serves an educational function today. The building houses Zabaykalsky University.

A house with an elegant turret and ornate wooden decoration.

Architect Nikitin's house is now occupied by his practical successors — a design bureau and the Union of Architects.

Now houses the regional administration of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN).

The main post office is located in a partly wooden building dating from 1893.

A store selling Chinese groceries.

The largest building on the square is the regional administration — once a faceless example of modernism, spoiled by a contemporary renovation.

The Chita city administration is located in a building constructed before 1917.