ulan-ude was founded in 1666 by the russian cossacks. due to its geographical position, the city grew rapidly and became a large trade centre which connected russia with china and mongolia. there are old merchants' mansions richly decorated with wood and stone carving in the historical center of ulan-ude, along the river banks. they represent beautiful examples of russian classicism. there is also a large and highly unusual head of lenin in the central square.