In 1653 explorer Peter Beketov with a group of Cossacks in the mouth of Chita river built Ingodinskoe winter quarters. The first regular Russian settlement at this place sprang up after 1675. Until 1687 it was called Sloboda. In 1699 Chita ostrog was built, from 1821 it was called Chitinskoe habitation. Decembrists were exiled here. From 1851 Chita was the centre of Transbaikalian region, here administration of Transbaikalian Cossack forces was situated. After construction of railway in 1900 Chita was the largest transport junction, industrial centre of Trans-Baikalia. In 1920-22 the capital of Far East republic. From 1922 the centre of Transbaikalian province, from 1926 district city of Far East territory, from 1937 the centre of Chita region. From 1st of March 2008 Chita is the centre of Zabaikalsky Krai.

Chita city is the centre of Zabaikalsky Krai. It was founded in 1675, incorporated from 1851.

The city includes 4 districts. Chita is situated in Trans-Baikalia, at inflowing of Chitinka rivr into Ingoda.

Zabaikalsky territory is proud of its culture. Cultural life is filled with various contests and holidays. Pagan customs, fervent shakedowns and humor harmonically interlace holidays. The region develops keeping its people’s traditions, welcomes guests offering the very best and modern things. Municipal folk theatre "Zabaikalje" (more known as "Zabuzory") takes part in various performances as in as in other countries. There is a philarmony in the Chita city, organizing literary soirée, concerts, musical competitions.

The Zabaikalsky territory is one of the worst affected areas are a goldmine for Chinese wood traders, who send raw logs over the border. According to the Federal Agency for Forestry, illegal logging here accounts for more than two million cubic metres a year. The agency warns the region could be stripped of wood reserves in five years if nothing is done to stop the criminal trade.