This article is focused on the phenomenon of Russian emigration in China, mainly on the features of its socio cultural adaptati on. The first migrants from Russia came to China a few centuries ago. However, the peak of their emigration occurred in the late 19th — early 20th centuries, which was caused by certain political events that took pla ce in Russia. Harbin has become the most famous «Russian» city in Chi na. The author of this work, based on documentary materials, describes in detail the influence that representatives of the Russian diaspora had on Harbin architecture, art, education, culinary traditions, forms of leisure, and trade. In addition, the article reveals the cultural aspects of Russian emigration in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hankou. As the author shows, Rus sians who lived among other foreigners in the international settlements managed to make a significant contribution to the development of these major cities in China, while preserving their cultural identity.