Main forms of cultural relations between Russia and China in the XVIII century

Cultural relations with Orient have very important place in history and culture of Russia. Reasons of this are in geographical situation of our country. During hundreds of years, countries and people of Orient made large cultural influence into Russia. Although, Russian and Chinese relations are researched quiet fully, cultural relations and premises of their appearance were researched not fully. During this research we will try to disclose these premises and deduce most important periods of their foundation. Foundation of cultural relations between Russia and China had political and economic premises: exploration of Siberia and Far Orient by Russian people. In relation to these processes there was requirement to learn languages and cultures of people in these regions, including Chinese. With first Russian translators from Chinese and Manchu, there are first Russian translations of Chinese historical and philosophical texts appeared in Russia. These texts were used by researchers to write their scientific works. Another important aspect of foundation of Russian-Chinese cultural relations was in translation of Chinese Сonfucianistic philosophical books by Russian intellectuals of the XVIII century. Purpose of these translations was in spreading and popularization of Chinese traditional view of ideal person and policy. Thus, foundation of Russian-Chinese cultural relations had historical dependence, and in early period China made largest influence into Russia, this influence was realized through textual culture.