Alexander Tatarinov, an outstanding individual: doctor of medicine, writer, traveler, researcher of China, and diplomat. In his honor, the plant Tatarinov's calamus and the Tatarinov hawk moth, which he caught in Beijing, are named. His life could serve as the basis for an exciting and patriotic adventure film.

In 1840, after graduating from the Medical-Surgical Academy, Alexander Alekseevich went to Beijing as a doctor for the Russian spiritual mission. Due to his excellent knowledge of the Chinese language, he studied local medicine, collected a unique collection of rare Chinese artifacts, and created a series of drawings of Chinese plants.

It is no surprise that he was soon appointed ambassador in Chuguchak, an important trading center between Russia and China. It was there, on October 7, 1864, that the protocol for establishing the border between the two states was signed. During the conquest of Central Asia, Alexander Tatarinov participated in dramatic events as part of the Russian embassy. However, the Bukharan emir captured the entire delegation. Despite hunger and pressure, the Russians did not break. Here is one of the episodes of the negotiations:

The emir's dignitaries asked what Russia would give for them. We laughed in response. "Will Tashkent not be given for your release?" "What is conquered by Russian arms is not given away!" "What will be given for you?" "Nothing!"

After a major defeat, the emir decided to release the prisoners. Later, Tatarinov was tasked with accompanying Count Putiatin, who was seeking the concession of the northern bank of the Amur from China. Alexander Alekseevich actively participated in drafting the treaty with the Chinese government and edited the Chinese text. Thanks to this, the bank of the Amur remains Russian to this day.