Investigation of China in the XIX century: scientific aspects of the Russian orthodox mission

The Russian Orthodox Mission for Russians living in China was established in Beijing in 1713 (some sources give the date 1715), and it existed until 1955. It played a crucial role in the development of the Russian-Chinese relations. It also became a Russian center for the scientific study of China and the first training school for sinologists. During the first half of the 19th century China closed its country to the outside world. The Russian scientists were able to obtain reliable information about China only through the Russian Orthodox Mission in Beijing. It also helped in the fulfillment of some diplomacy works for the Russian government. In this article, the authors outline the history of cooperation between the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Orthodox Mission in Beijing during the first half of the 19th century. The numerous archival materials allow the authors to come to a conclusion that the Russian Orthodox mission made a significant contribution to the scientific investigation of China.