Raychikhinsk, human settlement in Amur Oblast, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia
Raychikhinsk is a town in Amur Oblast, in Russia's Far East, that grew up around coal mining. It is laid out on flat ground with residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and a mix of Soviet-era buildings alongside newer construction.
The settlement was first recorded in 1932 and received official town status in 1944. Its growth was driven by coal mining, which had begun in the surrounding valleys in the early 20th century.
The name of the town comes from the Raychikha River, which was itself named after a man called Raev who drowned in it. Daily life here revolves around work shifts and family routines, and neighbors tend to know each other well.
The town is not set up for tourists, but shops, markets, and basic eateries are easy to find and follow a steady daily schedule. The flat land around the town, with forests and open fields nearby, makes it easy to go for walks outside the built area.
In 2013, part of the town's territory was separated to form a new, independent settlement called Zelveino. This kind of administrative split is rare for a town of this size and shows how local boundaries can shift in response to demographic changes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
