Khabarovsky District: Petroglyphs, Nanai Homestead and Nature Trails

The petroglyphs of Sikachi-Alyan, a Nanai homestead and designated nature trails give Khabarovsky District several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip. The cultural sites have clearly dated historical classifications; on the educational trails, distance, duration and season are key. This lets you first decide which visits will influence your choice of location before searching for a holiday apartment. Then check the location against your planned excursions and the time you have set aside for them.

Petroglyphs and cultural sites

Under Resolution No. 624 of 4 December 1974, the petroglyphs of Sikachi-Alyan are an archaeological monument of national significance. Since Presidential Decree No. 176 of 20 February 1995, they have been part of the historical and cultural heritage of federal significance. The two dates represent different official classifications and provide a clear historical context for the rock carvings. The cultural heritage site “Sikachi-Alyan” is also located in the district; it was registered in 2013.

Another cultural landmark is “Stoybishche Sorodichey”: the Nanai homestead is in the village of Sikachi-Alyan. For excursions to the upper or lower petroglyphs of Sikachi-Alyan, the mode of transport depends on the season. Depending on the time of year, visitors travel by boat, on foot or by snowmobile. Confirm the specific arrangements with the operator in advance.

The “Priamursky” Zoo, named after V. P. Sysoev, offers guided tours and screenings of a popular science film. If you would like to include these activities in your plans, check the current visitor arrangements before your trip. This allows you to plan the zoo activities and the season-dependent excursions to the petroglyphs separately in your daily itinerary.

Nature in the district and designated educational trails

In the Bolshekhekhtsir Nature Reserve, the Amur cork tree, Manchurian walnut and Mongolian oak are among the easternmost species in their ranges. Tigers are among the animals found on Mount Bolshoy Khekhtsir; the rare Far Eastern softshell turtle lives in its waters. This brings together distinctive tree species and wildlife in the mountain and waterways as different nature themes. The Khabarovsk Dendrological Park is in the village of Sosnovka.

The “Rodnichok” ecological trail is 600 metres long, takes one hour and is designated for the period from May to October. The “Zapovedny Khekhtsir” educational trail is 2.55 kilometres long, takes two and a half hours and is designated for year-round visits. The two routes can therefore be compared by time required and season: “Rodnichok” is shorter and designated for a particular season, while “Zapovedny Khekhtsir” is longer and listed as open year-round.

In Khabarovsk Region, “Rodnichok” passes through mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest to the Bykova stream. There, “Zapovedny Khekhtsir” passes through natural communities of the Ussuri taiga and offers impressions of its characteristic vegetation and the forest landscapes of Bolshoy Khekhtsir. For both trails in Khabarovsk Region, visits are permitted only in organised groups accompanied by an employee of “Zapovednoye Priamurye” and a state environmental protection inspector. Take these group requirements into account when incorporating the listed routes and times into your plans.

Find the right location for your trip

When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first organise your planned visits by focus: petroglyphs and cultural sites, nature or the designated educational trails. For the trails, you can also compare the stated duration with the relevant season; for excursions to the petroglyphs, take into account the season-dependent modes of transport and confirm the specific arrangements with the operator. Then check which location best suits your own plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Khabarovskiy rayon, Nikolayevsky District, Nikolayevsk-on-Amur, Komsomolskiy rayon

Go to the main travel overview: Khabarovsk Region.