A Russian's affectionate bond with Harbin

（Xinhua）  15:54, March 20, 2013  

Eremin Sergei, a 52-year-old man from Vladivostok in Russia, has been living in northeast China's Harbin for over five years. He was attracted by Harbin's history and came here for settlement in 2007, with his mother joining him the next year.

As Russia played a significant role in the city's development and its influence can still be witnessed from the city's architecture to its culture, it's not hard for the mother and the son to get involved in the new atmosphere. Sergei and his mother work as envoys for presenting Russian culture at the Russian Exotica Town on the Sun Island as well as Valsil Russian Street near Central Street of Harbin. He sells flowers and self-made red wines named "Cheer for the Friendship" to tourists, and serves as the "Friendship Ambassador between China and Russia" at the Russian Town.

During his spare time, Sergei likes to travel around Harbin, studying the history of the city. He shares his achievements with Russian young people every time he returns to his home country since many Russians also show interest in China. His research was granted by Russian Embassy in China, which in 2012 awarded him a certificate of honor for his contribution to the history study of the Russians living in China. Sergei regards Harbin as his second hometown. He believes that more and more Russians will come to China to experience the life here and to further communications between the two countries.