Russian Far Eastand Vladivostok
The Far East is the easternmost part of Russia. The macro-region borders two oceans, the Pacific and the Arctic, and five countries (China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States and the DPRK). The Far Eastern Federal District covers more than a third of the country’s territory. The Far Eastern region spreads over four time zones and various climate zones: from northern deserts to subtropics.
The climate in the north of the region, beyond the Arctic Circle, is extremely harsh. A monsoon type climate prevails in the southern part of the Far East with cold winters and hot, humid summers. This contrast is due to the enormous length of the territory, almost 4500 km from north to south and 3000 km from west to east.
The region is home to rare species of animals and fish. The most famous inhabitants of the area are walruses, polar and brown bears, Amur tigers and leopards, polar geese and white-naped cranes. Fifty state nature and wildlife reserves and national parks are spread across the region.
Vladivostok is unofficial capital of the Russian Far East and one of Russia’s most important commercial ports and naval bases. Vladivostok (‘Master the East’) is also a thoroughly charming city, with a gorgeous, hilly setting, striking architecture and numerous verdant islands and sandy bays along its Pacific coastline. Most notable of these is Golden Horn Bay (named for its likeness to Istanbul’s), over which now soars a massive suspension bridge, one of two built in recent years that have hugely improved the city’s lumbering Soviet-era infrastructure.
The rest of Russia slowly seems to be waking up to Vladivostok’s potential as well. In 2016 St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre inaugurated its impressive glass and steel Primorsky Stage, while the Hermitage Vladivostok is due to open. Vladivostok buzzes with cocktail bars, excellent restaurants and a renewed sense of purpose – don’t miss the Far East’s most dynamic and fast-paced city.