St. Sophia Cathedral

I went to Harbin with a friend and played solidly for a week. It was so cold, but it was really beautiful. I have compiled some of my personal travel experiences for your reference. Travel Equipment Prepare a set of thermal underwear, thin velvet base long sleeves for outer wear, knee cotton pants, windproof and waterproof trousers, down jacket, wool sweater or high collar sweater, down jacket, snow boots, disposable slippers, sunglasses, scarf hat, ear muffs, plush gloves, lip balm, moisturizing and hydrating, masks, etc., power bank, warm baby, self-heating shoe pad, chocolate snacks, etc. Food Recommendations Sweet and sour pork, spicy hot pot, iron pot stew, rice bag, stuffed skin, sweet and sour pork loin, candied haws, three fresh ground, blood sausage, northern tofu brain, etc. The food in the Northeast is really a lot and the taste is very nice. The portion size there is really generous. Don't order too many portions at once. Wait for the dishes to come up. If it's not enough, order again. Refuse to waste. My Travel Route D1 Landing in Harbin (if you arrive early, you can go out to the Saint Sophia Cathedral, Central Street, Songhua River Railway Bridge) D2 Harbin-Yabuli Town (we experienced dog sledding, went to Yabuli Panda Pavilion to see pandas) D3 Yabuli-Snow Town-Erdaobaihe (experienced snowfield hiking, strolled around the Northeast Market on Snow Charm Street, ate Northeast candied haws (super delicious, there are many kinds), also went to experience skiing and snowmobiling, visited the Ten Mile Gallery, twisted the Northeast Yangko in the afternoon, and finally participated in the bonfire party and set off fireworks) D4 Changbai Mountain-Changbai Waterfall-Xiaotianchi (very lucky to see Tianchi, ate hot spring boiled eggs, soaked in hot springs to experience what is called ice and fire) D5 Changbai Mountain-Changchun 【Closing Pit Suggestions】 1. Goggles: can be used when skiing, other times wear sunglasses, see if there are rental goggles, it is not cost-effective to buy one specially, if you don't ski often, you don't need to buy one specially 2. Coat: can be rented at the foot of the mountain, depending on personal physique, if you are afraid of cold, sisters are advised to rent one (generally 50-100, need 100 deposit) I saw that there are also down jackets for rent, you can also rent, so you won't have the situation of buying one specially and then wearing it once and always staying in the closet 3. It is best to carry a water cup with you, the Northeast is very dry, drink more water, and also put a cup of water in front of the bed at night. About Group Tours I still think it's possible to join a group, the road conditions are all snowy mountain roads, very technical. The group includes hotel + tickets + business car + aerial photography, so my friend and I chartered a car, and did not encounter invisible compulsory consumption. As for accommodation, we stayed in a four-star hotel, and the team leader would not urge us to set off very early, and the most touching point is that you can tell the master to stop at any time on the road if you encounter a place you want to go, get off the car and play enough before going to the next place, the whole is very free. This time the Harbin small group really found the right one!! If you also want to join a group tour, be sure to look carefully and keep your eyes open, don't sign up for those low-price shopping groups!

Saint Sophia Cathedral is a Byzantine-style Orthodox church built in 1907. It is a landmark building in Harbin and a must-visit tourist spot. The fragrance of plum blossoms in summer and the fluttering snowflakes in winter all present different beautiful scenes. Everyone is welcome to bring their stamp cards to Saint Sophia Cathedral for a unique experience. The old buildings in Harbin have an exotic charm and are full of history and culture! The scenery inside and outside the church is worth visiting and taking pictures of. Address: 88 Toulong Street, Daoli District, Harbin Transportation Guide Bus: Routes 83, 94, 64, 102, 52, 8 can all reach Taxi: It is recommended to ask for a receipt, starting price is 9 yuan Subway: Get off at Central Street Station on Line 2, and you can reach it within a 15-minute walk Saint Sophia Cathedral was originally built for the Fourth Infantry Division of the Russian East Siberia during the construction of the Middle East Railway. In the same year, Russian tea merchant I.F. Chizhikov funded the reconstruction of a wooden church based on the military church. In 1911, a brick wall was built outside the wooden wall, forming a brick-wood structure church. On September 27, 1923, Saint Sophia Cathedral was rebuilt for the second time. It took 9 years and was completed on November 25, 1932, becoming the largest Orthodox church in the Far East. The Sophia Church was designed by Russian architect Koyasikov. It is magnificent, elegant and extraordinary, with a total height of 53.25 meters, a building area of 721 square meters, and can accommodate 2000 people. The top of the main entrance is a bell tower. The seven copper bells are exactly seven notes. They need to be played by trained bell ringers to produce the ups and downs of the bell sound. The church building is arranged in the form of a Greek cross, which is influenced by Byzantine architectural style. The main dome and bell tower also have the traditional Russian 'tent top' and 'onion head' shape. In 1986, the Harbin Municipal People's Government listed it as a first-class protected building. In November 1996, it was listed as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. From June 2 to September 2, 1997, the Harbin Municipal People's Government carried out a comprehensive renovation of the church according to the original design, expanded the Sophia Square by 7000 square meters, and opened it as the Harbin Architectural Art Museum to promote and carry forward the unique architectural culture of Harbin. In 2000, the Harbin Municipal People's Government organized the expansion of the Harbin Architectural Art Square, the Central Leisure Square and the Urban Construction Planning Exhibition Hall construction project. It was completed and put into use on October 1 of the same year. The expanded Architectural Art Square has increased from 6000 square meters to 10000 square meters, and the Central Square covers an area of 36154 square meters.

#timetotravel This is Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin. The Russian influence is very evident in the architecture of this cathedral. The exterior is stunningly beautiful especially when it is lit ay night. It is worth a visit or a stop in Harbin especially if you are in the city center. They have a gallery inside about the history of Harbin and the cathedral so this visit is also educational and informative. Entrance Fee: 15 (please double check because we were there a few years back. It might have changed already. Address: No. 88 Tuolong Street, Daoli District. Enjoy your visit. #mytripvlog #tripblazers #landmark #attraction #architecture #chinatravel #harbin

📣Harbin three-day tour is here! 👕👗Harbin battle robe: You must wear down jackets, hats and gloves, wear cotton boots, it's really super cold in winter! Freeze through in minutes! 📣Attractions: 1️⃣Ice and Snow World (must go) (Included project) Ticket: 328 yuan/adult (non-local) ‼️Recommended must-do activities: ✅Super big slide (scan the code for appointment on the hour or half hour)✅Ferris wheel (recommended to do after dark, the lights are super beautiful)✅Various ice sculptures, performances ⚠️Tips: Recommended 13:00~18:00 (the sky will gradually darken, good for taking pictures) 2️⃣Saint Sophia Cathedral (very close to Central Street) 🕐Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 🎫Admission ticket: 20 yuan/ticket; Students, children 15 yuan/ticket; There will be some piano, violin and other music performances inside! ⚠️Tips: Recommended play time is 1~2 hours, go to Central Street for meal time, 10~15 minutes walk! 3️⃣Central Street (all day, no tickets) 🥣Food: Madieer popsicles, big sugar-coated haws, Anna cheese sticks, chimney bread, old kitchen pot meat! 4️⃣Snow Village (optional) 🎫Ticket: 120 yuan/ticket 🚘Transportation: Chartered car is the most convenient ⚠️Tips: It's just one street, the snow mushrooms are the best, it's recommended to go to Mohe! 5️⃣Harbin Pharmaceutical Factory No.6 (Latest news: You can go in for photos!) 🚘Transportation: Subway "Nanzhi Road" station, suitable for taking pictures! 6️⃣Site of the 731st Troop of the Japanese Invading China (Really recommended, remember history) 🎫Ticket: Free (reservation before entering the museum) 🕐Opening hours: Closed on Monday, usually 9:00-16:30 ✅Recommended visit time: 2~3 hours ‼️‼️Recommended play: 1️⃣Lazy three-day tour: Day1: Place of residence—Harbin; Day2: Ice and Snow World—Saint Sophia Cathedral—Central Street; Day3: Harbin Pharmaceutical Factory No.6—Yabuli Skiing 2️⃣Special Forces Route: Day 1: Place of residence—Harbin—Saint Sophia Cathedral—Central Street; Day 2: Songhua River—Ice and Snow World—Night Market; Day 3: Snow Village/Skiing 3️⃣Classic three-day tour: Day 1: Place of residence—Harbin; Day 2: Saint Sophia Cathedral—Central Street—Ice and Snow World; Day 3: Harbin Pharmaceutical Factory No.6— Songhua River —731 Troop Site

By a stroke of luck, Harbin has become my No.1⃣️ station travel destination when I returned to the country. At that time, the temperature was only -10 degrees, and the enthusiasm of travel enthusiasts had already started activities on this land. But in fact, there are not many permanent attractions in the city, mainly centered on Central Street: Sophia Church, Songhua River, Red Brick Street Morning Market, etc. This winter is really too cold. I am determined to make every time I take out the camera a picture. Simply put, pull your photo/travel partner in to learn!. .🔸Bench by the church The bench at the front door: There will be light hitting here from 11:00-1:00 at noon; but there will also be many little sisters lining up here! The effect is a bit far-fetched at other times on the shady side. The bench at the side door: 3-4 o'clock sunset time, I didn't take this (because I had a fever hhh) 5 o'clock after the night view when the lights are on! 🔸Octagonal Pavilion Here you can take pictures of the frame through the arch perspective, you need to find more angles, there are closed stairs and so on here, you need to pay attention to safety. 🔸Sinkhole There is a sinkhole in front of the Octagonal Pavilion, which will be closer to the church, and there is almost sun all day. I chose to sit on it and take pictures! 🔸Front door Of course don't stand too close! A little farther away, the lens has a little upward angle + stretch your hand forward (to get a little lens distortion effect. .Half a year, I saw the Sophia Cathedral in Turkey and the Sophia Church in Harbin, which is a bit magical! Also reviewed the photography skills of my photo partner half a year later, I hope he can continue to work hard

🌟 Highlights: Located in Sophia Square, Daoli District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, this Byzantine-style Eastern Orthodox cathedral⛪️ was built in 1907 and is a landmark building of Harbin🏠. In 1986, it was classified as a first-class protected building by the Harbin Municipal People's Government; in 1996, it was approved by the State Council to be listed as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The interior of Saint Sophia Cathedral now serves as the 'Harbin Architectural Art Museum'. 🕙 Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays. Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 11:30 in the morning, and there are concerts🎼 at 13:00/15:30/18:30 in the afternoon, each lasting about 30 minutes. 🎫 Ticket Price: 20 yuan for a concert, and additional charges apply. The experience of a castle concert is also a unique experience in life. 📍 Detailed Address: Name: Harbin Saint Sophia Cathedral Address: No. 88, Tongjiang Street, Daoli District, Harbin 🚉 Transportation Tips: 🚌 Bus: Take bus No. 47 directly 🚇 Subway: Get off at Shangzhi Street Station on Metro Line 2

Going to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin, these 5 things must be known. 1. If you want to avoid the crowd, choose to go in the morning, there are people at night and during the day; but the evening is indeed more picturesque. 2. Don't just take pictures of the Saint Sophia Cathedral itself, the Harry Potter-style building on the left and the steel structure are also very picturesque. 3. If you want to take a queen photo or a princess style, you must make an appointment in advance, otherwise it may be too late. Those who shoot on the spot are all made up after making an appointment in advance. 4. The Daoli vegetable market next to it is now full of people. It takes a long time to queue for authentic Harbin snacks. The prices are not cheap, and I personally do not recommend going. 5. Buy cold-proof materials in the underground mall on the right side of the cathedral.

| Check-in at iconic buildings. Harbin travel guide check-in: 1️⃣【Coordinates】 Heilongjiang | Harbin | Daoli District | 88 Tonglong Street . 2️⃣【Overview】 ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-11:30 (closed on Mondays) 🔰Concerts: 13:00/15:30/18:30 (each session lasts 30 minutes) 🔰Founded: In the thirty-third year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1907), it was originally a military church built by the Fourth Infantry Division of the Russian Eastern Siberia during the construction of the Middle-Eastern Railway. In the same year, the Russian tea merchant I.F. Chistyakov funded the reconstruction of the church based on the military church into a full wooden structure church. In 1911, a layer of brick wall was built outside the wooden walls, forming a brick-wood structure church. On September 27, 1923, the Saint Sophia Cathedral was rebuilt for the second time, taking 9 years to complete, and was inaugurated on November 25, 1932, becoming the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the Far East. 🔰Style: Byzantine style Eastern Orthodox cathedral, an iconic building of Harbin. 🔰Scale: 53.25 meters high, with a building area of 721 square meters, accommodating up to 2000 people.

❤Recommended reasons: Fewer tourists in the off-season, easy to book the Ferris wheel at the Ice and Snow World Hotels are relatively cheap, and you can stay in a good hotel near Central Street for just over 200 yuan 🏨Accommodation guide: ✅Try to stay close to the Flood Control Monument on Central Street, because you can take the scenic spot's shuttle bus back to the monument after coming out of the Ice and Snow World at night ✅Prefer to choose a bustling downtown area, it's not convenient to take a taxi in remote places ✅Don't trust the accommodations recommended by aunties soliciting customers on the street, they are unreliable ✅Don't wait until you arrive in Harbin to book a hotel, book online in advance, especially during the winter travel peak season when hotels are in high demand 🍽Food recommendations: 1️⃣Songren Xiaodu: Songren Xiaodu is a traditional specialty dish of Harbin, with a ruddy color, fragrant aroma, crisp and easy to chew, and especially refreshing in the mouth 2️⃣Guobaorou: Similar to fried pork, but not very oily, with a sweet and sour taste, it's very good with rice, and is a must-try delicacy in Harbin 3️⃣Daliba: Daliba, originating from Russia, has now also become a specialty snack in Harbin. This large bread is round and has a very traditional European flavor 4️⃣Ganchang: Ganchang is one of Harbin's specialties, the commonly seen Yuchang Ganchang uses fresh lean pork, made with a century-old secret recipe, excellent craftsmanship, naturally air-dried, with a strong meaty flavor and easy to preserve 5️⃣Caomao Bing: Caomao Bing is super delicious, a specialty snack from the Northeast, with distinct layers, soft and chewy, crispy and delicious, and it looks like a straw hat when served 6️⃣Stewed dishes: You must try the Northeastern stewed dishes, which are very characteristic 7️⃣Zhang Fei Bapai Meat: With a unique name, Zhang Fei Bapai Meat is famous in Harbin, all dishes are selected for quality, finely crafted, with the principle of 'trust, beauty, freshness' and has a history of nearly thirty years locally, it's a must-try when in Harbin 8️⃣Jiang Guotou: Jiang Guotou is a traditional dish in the Northeast. Depending on the main ingredient, it can be Jiangjigu, Jiangpaigu, or Jiangbanggu. 🚉Transportation guide: 1. Harbin Airport, Taiping International Airport How to get to the city from the airport: Taiping Airport is 38 kilometers away from the city ✔️You can take the airport shuttle bus from Taiping Airport to the city, 20 yuan per person, leaving when full ✔️Taking a taxi costs about 150 yuan, and the price may increase on snowy days ✔️Online car-hailing services cost around 80 yuan, and all taxi apps can be used 2. Harbin Train Stations: Harbin Station, West Station, South Station, East Station How to get to the city from the train stations ✔️Harbin Station is in the city center ✔️Harbin East Station has Metro Line 1 ✔️Harbin West Station is near Hada Wanda Plaza, with Metro Line 3 ✔️Harbin North Station is in Songbei Town, far from the city center, with Metro Line 2 3. Ways to travel to attractions ✔️Bus: Cheap and with many routes, 1-2 yuan, but prone to traffic jams ✔️Taxi: Easy to hail, starting at 8 yuan, but may take a longer route ✔️Metro: The most convenient way to travel, within 8 stations costs 2 yuan, 8 to 13 stations cost 3 yuan, more than 13 stations cost 4 yuan 4. Distances and transportation to various places ✔️Harbin to Yabuli (bus/train 3 hours) ✔️Yabuli to Snow Town (bus 2 hours) ✔️Harbin to Snow Town (bus about 5 hours) 📝Note tips: ❗️Emphasize the transportation of the Ice and Snow World, it is recommended to go by metro, get on at Shangzhi Street Station, and get off at Ice and Snow World Station, the metro operates until 22:00 during the tourist season, it is recommended not to take the metro later than 15:00, so the timing is just right ❗️It is recommended to visit the Ice and Snow World at night, the ice sculptures + lighting effects make the night view more spectacular ❗️When coming to Harbin in winter, be sure to have full gear: hat, gloves, mask, snow boots, thick socks, down jacket ❗️Consumption in Snow Town is generally higher, and the play projects are more expensive than in Snow Valley or Harbin, so ask for prices before deciding what to eat or play, and you can also bring some snacks ❗️The Volga Manor is a must-visit, full of Russian charm, with pristine natural environments complementing different styles of Russian architecture, especially in the ice and snow, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. Here you can experience castle skiing, snow tubing, sled trains, hand-painted nesting dolls, snow cat petting, and more ❗️The temperature is low, so you need more calories, carry some chocolate or beef jerky to replenish energy at any time ❗️Snow Town sells iron items that are tied to the soles of shoes to prevent slipping, it is recommended to buy one, as the snow on the streets is very slippery, and falling would be bad ❗️Before playing ice and snow projects or various entertainment facilities, negotiate the price, taking photos with winter swimmers may cost money ❗️The Madieer ice cream in Snow Town is a trap, remember to eat Madieer ice cream on Central Street ❗️When visiting Central Street, do not trust low-priced one-day or two-day tours or free transportation, it is still recommended to stay near Central Street or Sofia Church, as convenience in cold weather is very important ❗️Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, especially accommodation in Snow Town, as every year there are people who cannot find a place to stay during the peak season ❗️In winter, many parks and universities have free ice rinks. There are skate rentals near the ice rinks, and you must experience outdoor ice skating at least once, although it's super cold, it's really fun ❗️Overall, consumption in Snow Town is relatively high, but it is still recommended to stay in Snow Town and play there, the Snow Charm Street is very lively at night and worth seeing ❗️The places to visit in Harbin city, such as Saint Sophia Cathedral, Central Street, Old Daowai, etc., are all very close to each other, and you can check them out together ❗️Remember to bring a swimsuit, there are cold springs in Snow Town/Yabuli/Changbai Mountain, personally I think Changbai Mountain Springs are a bit better ❗️December to February of the following year is the best time to visit the Northeast, there is enough snow, and you can even see harsh conditions like fog ❗️Buy snow boots one size larger, because you need to wear thick socks, the right size will definitely squeeze your feet ❗️If the weather is warm and clear, you can go play on Sun Island, it is said that there is a Russian-style town on the island, quite stylish ❗️Candied chicken feet, chili, spicy strips, hmm~ not tasty, don't expect too much

It's not that Russia is too expensive to go to But Harbin is more cost-effective🥹 At the Saint Sophia Cathedral at 7:30 in the morning⛪️ I felt the romance exclusive to Harbin🕊️ I got the picture I wanted📷 It's worth getting up early!! 📍Sharing 9️⃣ shooting spots to easily avoid the crowd 1️⃣The green benches around the church can be used as a backdrop 2️⃣The green pentagonal platform in front of the church can block the crowd below the church, and the photographer can stand low or squat to take a low-angle shot 3️⃣The red brick corridor at the oblique front of the church🧱, you can take a silhouette through the archway👤 4️⃣Stand in front of the church or on the side, when there are fewer people in the church, take a scene where the people are small and the scene is large 5️⃣Sit on the stone bridge far from the church, lean on the stone platform next to the street lamp, the stone platform can block the crowd below the church, take a close-up low-angle shot from the bottom up 6️⃣Stand by the wall of the church to take a close-up portrait 7️⃣Sit on the stone platform next to the stairs, which can block the crowd under the church 8️⃣Stand across the street to take a long shot of the church🚥 9️⃣Use a drone to take an overhead shot of the entire church⛪️, remember to report in advance

✅Clothing Head: Hat + Ear Covers + Mask Upper body: Down jacket + Thick sweater + Thermal underwear + Gloves + Scarf Lower body: Thick pants + Thermal pants + Thick socks + Snow boots ✅Accommodation: Atour Hotel on Friendship Road, Central Street, Harbin 1. The hotel is right by the Songhua River, you can take a walk by the river; it's 2 kilometers away from Central Street, half an hour's walk, the location is very convenient 2. The high floors of the hotel can directly see the night view and sunset of the Songhua River 3. Breakfast is served until 10:30, very sincere; Atour fans all know that Atour's breakfast is very rich, and it will change according to each city, this Atour breakfast even has silkworm pupae, which is quite amazing haha 4. Atour members can delay check-out until 16:00 in the afternoon, which is convenient for going straight to Snow Village Yabuli after strolling around Harbin ✅Itinerary 1️⃣DAY1: Harbin→Central Street→Saint Sophia Cathedral→Songhua River→Ice and Snow World 📍Central Street: A street for food and shopping, 1450 meters long, built in 1900, the buildings along the street are all Baroque style, very beautiful; here I ate Lao Chang spring rolls and Madieer popsicles (5 yuan, basically one per person, super delicious) 📍Saint Sophia Cathedral: Very historical, grand and solemn in appearance, the decorations and pictures inside are extremely exquisite, the ticket is 35 yuan 📍Songhua River: The frozen Songhua River is too cool, people can walk on it, and there are some entertainment projects, such as dog sledding (I feel so sorry for the dogs, it's heartbreaking) 📍Ice and Snow World: Highly recommended, beautiful day and night! All the buildings are made of ice and snow sculptures, it's super cold inside, be sure to wear a couple more pairs of socks 2️⃣DAY2: Harbin→Yabuli Ski Resort It's 230 kilometers from Harbin to Yabuli, a 3-hour drive; I was super excited to see such a high ski resort for the first time, the tracks are divided into advanced, intermediate, and beginner, for me who is skiing for the first time, I can only go to the beginner's track, if you are particularly interested in skiing, you can also hire a coach, skiing for 3 hours (including snow shoes, ski poles, snowboard) 3️⃣DAY3: Yabuli Ski Resort→Ya Snow Post Station→Big Bald Mountain→Ice and Snow Gallery→Snow Village 📍Ya Snow Post Station: There are plank roads, forest wildlife park, bandit nest Weihu Village; the package ticket is 168 yuan 📍Ice and Snow Gallery: There is a forest nature trail suitable for tourists to walk, and there is also a Northeast Wildlife Park to visit (bears, dogs, deer, wild boars, etc.) 📍Snow Village: No one can escape the beauty of Snow Village!! Snow Village is not big, but the mushroom houses covered by snow are just too beautiful PS: There is currently a round-trip direct bus from Harbin to Snow Village, 120 yuan/person

St. Sophia Church was built and completed of timber in March, 1907 as part of a plan to reconsolidate the confidence of the army by building an imposing spiritual symbol. The church is located on the corner of Toulong Street (Toulong jie) and Zhaolin Street. It stands at 175 ft tall, occupies an area of 721 square meters, and is the perfect example of Russian Revival architecture. These photos were taken last year during New Year's Day. It was a good place to celebrate the holiday and to welcome the new year. It was freezing though. Well, Harbin is a good place to feel the Winter and the snow. #tripmoments #tripinspired #tripaway #chinalife #chinatravel #orthodox #churches #harbin