Zaisan Hill Memorial and Surrounding Area

From Zaisan Hill, located to the south of Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The name "Zaisan" originally referred to a mid-level administrative title. Each year, people with this title would gather at the foot of Bogd Khan Mountain, making offerings in honor of the mountain. The hill where they performed these rituals came to be known as "Zaisan Hill." The northern side of Bogd Khan's valley became known as "Northern Zaisan," while the southern side was called "Southern Zaisan."

Today, Zaisan Hill is known for the Soviet Soldiers' Memorial, a monument commemorating the Soviet soldiers who died heroically during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. The monument, designed by architect A. Khishigt, was begun in 1969 and completed in 1971, marking the 50th anniversary of Mongolia's People’s Revolution.

Visitors can climb 300 meters of steps, over 612 in total, to reach the circular platform at the top, which features a statue of a Soviet soldier. In the center of the platform is an eternal flame, symbolizing the everlasting memory of the fallen soldiers. The circular wall is 60 meters long and is made of reinforced concrete. The outer wall is adorned with reliefs of Mongolian and Soviet military decorations, while the inner wall contains mosaics depicting the friendship and historical events shared by Mongolia and the Soviet Union.

Another feature of the memorial is a tank monument, commemorating a tank gifted to the Soviet Army by the Mongolian people in 1943. This tank, part of the "Revolutionary Mongolia" tank brigade, journeyed all the way to Berlin and was awarded nine honors from Mongolia and the Soviet Union. The tank is placed on an inclined reinforced concrete platform facing west. The path it took to Berlin is engraved on the platform's left wall, while the honors it received are displayed on the right wall.

What is around the Zaisan Hill Memorial?

Buddha Park

At the western base of Zaisan Hill lies the "International Buddha Garden," established in 2006. Korean Buddhist sculptors created a 23-meter-tall statue of Buddha, whose gaze is directed toward Ulaanbaatar, symbolizing protection over the city. The park was designed as a sacred space for both locals and visitors to seek peace and spiritual cleansing. The complex also includes a bell symbolizing peace and a drum calling upon the gods of heaven and earth for protection.

Both tourists and Mongolians enjoy visiting Zaisan Hill, and you should not miss the chance to experience the breathtaking view of Ulaanbaatar by night from this vantage point.

Zaisan Hill Complex

Zaisan Tank Statue and Zaisan Square