Zaisan Memorial, Soviet-Mongolian memorial on Zaisan Hill in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.
Zaisan Memorial is a circular concrete structure on a hill with detailed mosaics covering its walls. The monument sits at an elevated position that overlooks the entire city of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River valley below.
The memorial was built to honor Soviet and Mongolian soldiers who fought in World War II, particularly in the 1939 Khalkin Gol battle against Japanese forces. This battle became a defining moment for the region and remains central to how both nations remember the war years.
The mosaics show scenes of Soviet-Mongolian military cooperation and peaceful missions that shaped both nations. Visitors can see how this shared history is told through these detailed wall images.
Reaching the memorial requires climbing either roughly 300 steps from the parking area or about 600 steps from the hill's base, depending on your starting point. Late afternoon provides the best light for viewing and photography as the sun sits lower over the city.
At the hill's base sits a Soviet T-34 tank financed through public donations, marking the path of the Mongolian People's Tank Brigade. The tank serves as a physical reminder of the troops that fought from Moscow to Berlin and is what many visitors remember most.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
