As first created here was a Russian fort Ust-Kamenogorsk in 1929. With time its military destiny changed to trading one. The settlement gained city’s charter in 1868, and soon it became an important trading centre, where interests of Emperor Russia, Mongolia and China were crossing.
In 2015 in the city was opened its most beautiful adornment – a fountain, that during day looks like an ordinary one. In the evening though it enraptures – three flows of water, reaching as high as 40 metres of altitude, dance to the rhythm of music. Colourful lights are accompanying the unusual spectacle.
Staying in Oksemen, go to the village Etnos – a ethnographic park opened in 2010. You will see there a real mix of cultures – the region is inhabited till today by representatives of more than 100 ethnic groups. In the village you can see houses, their equipment and get to know typical traditions of different groups.
Your favorite material is wood? Then you can’t miss a House of People’s Crafts at Krasina street. In a three-store castle, everything is made of this noble raw material. Each furniture is a piece of art. And there are no two the same. With tourists in mind, local woodcarvers made smaller items, that can be bought as souvenir or gift for loved ones.
The most romantic spot in Oskemen is surely the Avenue of Lovers, leading through the park from the Novatorov street to abridge on a river Irtysh. A route is decorated with sculptures of the love theme, like, for instance, a sculpture of a men sitting on a bench and playing love ballads on a guitar. There is a lovely view of a river from the avenue.
If you travel with a child, don’t miss a visit in Metallurg park, that is at the conjunction of Vinogradova street and the Avenue of Independence. One of the oldest entertainment parks in this part of Kazakhstan is full of attractions adjusted to kids at any age, and also parents. Pay attention to small architecture – remains after the Soviet time.
