Interesting places in Harbin:

Harbin Ice and Snow World		Oriental Zhongshan Garden　（東方中山花園）
Siberian Tiger Park		Heilongjiang Experimental Middle School　（黑龍江實驗中學）
Walking Street		Hotel Sofitel Wanda Harbin
Luhai Mansion		هنا يدرس علاء الحكيمي وعبدالله الحمزي
Sun Island Resort		Jiangxin Island　（江心島）
Harbin City Bus Terminus　（哈爾濱市公路客運站）		Children s Park　（兒童公園）
Zuolong Square　（坐龍廣場）		哈尔滨游乐园
Zhaolin Park　（兆麟公園）		Harbin Xinshiji Guangchang / New Century Plaza　（哈爾濱新世紀百貨廣場）
极乐寺		Xishui / Waterfun Amusement Park
Flood Monument　（防洪紀念塔）		Russian Art Training Center
Harbin Railway Bureau		Wanda Inernational Cinema
Пешеходная улица типа Арбат		Harbin Institute of Technology
Central Mall　（中央商城）

Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning 'a place for drying fishing nets.' * City seat: Daoli District * Population: 9.54 million, of them 4.64 million in the urban area of the city * Area: 53775 km�, 7086 km� urban * Geographic coordinates: 125�42'-130�10' east, 44�04'-46�40' N * GDP: �183.04 billion (ca. US$22.88 billion) in 2005 * Competitive Ability: Ranked no. 10 in <2004 Chinese City Competitive Ability Reports> * Mayor: Shi Zhongxin (���): since 2002

Russian Buildings

Harbin's old quarter which covers a wide area of the city near the Songhua River is still today mostly made up of buildings that were constructed by the Russians at the turn of the 19th century. Most of them are built in baroque or byzantine style with spires and cupolas and interesting shades of yellow, white, green, or red. While St. Sophia is known as the main architectural attraction to the city, areas of the city such as Harbin's old quarter are made up of buildings that have been left untouched since the Russians left. While most of these streets are fairly decrepit and in need of repair, at least the area has been free from the wrecking ball like many other historical districts in China.

• Zhongyang Dajie (中央大街). Literally meaning "central avenue". This cobblestone lined street is a pedestrian only street that could serve as a perfect remnant of the bustling international business activities at the turn of the 20th century. The 1.4-km long street is a veritable museum of European architectural styles, including Baroque and Byzantine facades, Jewish architectural wonders, little Russian bakeries, French fashion houses, American snack food outlets, and Japanese restaurants. It runs from Jingwei Jie to Stalin Park at the river. In winter, one can walk out onto the ice or take a dog sledge or horse sledge ride.
• Flood Control Monument Built to commemorate the several floods of the Songhua River. It is at the riverside end of the Zhongyang Dajie, so one could visit these two at the same time.
• Stalin Park, Runs parallel to the Songhua River. Long tree covered walkway that stretches the city-side banks of the Songhua river, a really nice and pleasant walk.

• St. Sophia Cathedral, located in Daoli District on the corner of Zhaolin Street and Toulong Street. One of the few still standing Orthodox churches in the city. It is now converted into a Harbin Museum of Architecture. Inside there are exhibitions of many photographs from old times. Definitely worth going into.
• Unit 731 Museum A grim reminder of what happened during the Japanese occupation to over 2,000 prisoners of war. The museum, located out in the suburbs, tells the story of these individuals through images and displays, not heavy handed propaganda like at some museums. This museum is very well documented and for those with an interest in human atrocities.
• Siberian Tiger Preserve (老虎公园) A short distance from town, this expansive zoo allows visitors to take a guided tour of many large open pens, each housing small groups of tigers. For those with the stomach for it, visitors may purchase live animals and raw meat to be fed to the tigers while the visitors watch.
• Zhaolin Park, Youyi Lu and Shangzhi Jie. During the winter this park houses ice sculptures for the festivals, but during the off season, it's a pleasant stroll as well

• Dragon TV Tower (龙塔). Tallest steel structure in northeastern Asia. There is a revolving restaurant on top and views of the city. You can walk outside at the top and even strap on a harness for a thrill.
• Old Quarter A section of the city just west of Zhongyang Dajie is still dominated by Russian buildings built around the turn of the century. Not well maintained but an interesting walk and you can maybe find Russian antiques in some of the thrift stores.
• Grape Kingdom (葡萄王国). A live operating "organic farm" that has expansive grape and corn fields. In the fall you can enter the fields and pick as many fresh grapes as you want and watch how the Chinese process corn. Located near the Tiger Park.
• Sun Island (太阳岛). Park located on the banks of the Songhua River and can be reached by ferry boat (5 rmb). Pleasant to stroll during the warmer months and on the weekends newly married couples can be seen taking pictures. In the winter it becomes part of the ice city festivities.
• Gondola ride over Songhua River, access point is the Sun Island Park. A nice way to work your way back from Sun Island in a gondola car that takes you over the banks of the Songhua. 35-50RMB.

• Temple of Heavenly Bliss Large and active Buddhist temple.
• Heilongjiang Provincial Museum, 50 Hong Jun Jie. Built in 1922 and claims to have over 14,000 pieces of relics, but it's not well kept.

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20090130 - Harbin - Daoli District - Saint Sophia Cathedral Square - Panorama
Made by Jeremy Tan, KL
Saint Sophia Cathedral (聖索菲亜教堂 / Софийский собор в Харбине) The Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God in Harbin, China. Built in 1907 and expanded from 1923-32, it was closed during the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution periods, and turned into a museum in 1997.The Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God or Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin (Chinese: 聖索菲亜教堂, Russian: Софийский собор в Харбине) is a former Russian Orthodox church located in the central district of Daoli, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China. History St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral is one of the most magnificent structures in Harbin. It was built in 1907 after the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1903, which connected Vladivostok to northeast China. The Russian No.4 Army Division arrived in this region just after Russia's loss to the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). 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. In 1921, Harbin had a population of 300,000, including 100,000 Russians. The church was expanded and renovated from September 23, 1923, when a ceremony was held to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone, to its completion on November 25, 1932, after nine years. The present day St. Sophia Church was hailed as a monumental work of art and the largest Orthodox church in the far east. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sophia_Cathedral_in_Harbin


Harbin Synagogue
Made by ROSS HONG KONG
Harbin, China www.chinafacttours.com/harbin/attractions/new-synagogue.html The New Synagogue is located in Jingwei Street, Daoli District, bordering the city center. It is the second Jewish synagogue in Harbin and was established in addition to the main synagogue, known as the Old Synagogue. Built in 1918 and finished in 1921, the New Jewish Synagogue covers an area of more than 1,230 square meters and can accommodate as many as 800 worshipers. It is the biggest of its kind in Northeast China. However, the New Synagogue has not been used for worship since most Jewish people left the city in the 1950s. Re-opening in the 1990s, it was used as a club for the local Public Security Bureau. After renovation and reconstruction by the Harbin Municipal Government in 2004, the New Synagogue was transformed into a Jewish museum of history and culture, preserving and exhibiting Jewish artifacts. The New Synagogue once played a significant role in Jewish religious, political and cultural life. Fleeing their homelands due to persecution and war, a large number of Jewish people settled in Harbin in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. During times of celebration and religious festivals, the synagogue attracted people from throughout the province. Today, the synagogue is one of the must-see attractions in Harbin due to its unique architecture and culture. Each year, many descendants of the Harbin Jews return to their roots and scholars of Jewish culture also come to study their heritage.


St Sofia Church, Harbin, at night
Made by Rincewind42
For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin The church of St. Sophia in Harbin was build over 100 years ago by the Russian founders of the city. It is the largest orthodox church in the Far East. Nowadays the building is not used for services and has been converted into a museum telling the story of the city of Harbin which is in the north east of China. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics.


St Sophia Church, Harbin
Made by Rincewind42
The church of St. Sophia in Harbin was build over 100 years ago by the Russian founders of the city. It is the largest orthodox church in the Far East. Nowadays the building is not used for services and has been converted into a museum telling the story of the city of Harbin which is in the north east of China. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


Russian buildings in Harbin, China.
Made by Rincewind42
The city of Harbin in the north east of China was founded in the 1890's by Russians as a centre of communication for the new railway lines to Vladivostok and Dalian. This city still proudly shows off it's Russian imperial past in it's old buildings. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


Tigers lazing in the snow, Harbin, China
Made by Rincewind42
This Siberian Tiger is at home in the snow of the the tiger sanctuary in Harbin despite the freezing cold weather. Siberian tigers are the largest of the big cat weighing in at 318 kg (700lb) and up to 12 feet long. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


Tigers in the snow, Harbin, China
Made by Rincewind42
It might fall as low is -40 C in winter in the north east of China but these Siberian tigers are used to that. This is their natural habitat. These cats are in the tiger sanctuary in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


Phot.Harbin.Snow.Sculpt.010905.Fl.4936
Made by frankartculinary
Harbin, China, Ice & Snow Festival, Snow Train with a Steam Engine on each Side, the Wagons are partly carved-out for Visitors to go inside, about 200 Snow Sculptures of all Sizes are displayed or still in carving progress Everywhere in the City you will find Ice Carvings of all Sizes, besides there are several Expositions in different Park. The three major Parks are the Snow Sculptures at the Park on Sun Island, they are more artistic, the Ice Carvings at the Zhao Lin Park - Harbin Ice & Snow World are gigantic & illuminated at Night, in the Centre of the City is the Disney Ice Festival. It lasts from January to late February every year with Zhao Lin Park as its designated location. Ice-lanterns can date back to ancient times. It was said that some fishermen made rough and simple ice-lanterns made of ice just for lighting. With the time passed, ice-lanterns embodied their cultural features and artistic fascination gradually. The making of ice-lanterns and ice sculptures started in the 1960s. Harbin in the Heilongjiang Province is one of the Country’s coldest Places; Winter Temperatures can drop to below -35° C., when I visited Harbin beginning of January the Temperature varied between -20° & -26°.


Finnish folk tales, Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
Made by Rincewind42
This freeze made of snow (pardon the pun) tells of a famous folk tale from Finland. It's part of the Snow World exhibition on Sun Island in Harbin, Heilongjiang in the north east of China. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


Stalin Park, Harbin.
Made by Rincewind42
The frozen Songhau river beside Stalin park in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, becomes a winter playground with a wide variety of entertainments. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


St. Sophia Cathedral, Daoli, Harbin
Made by adventurocity
St. Sophia Cathedral, the largest Russian Orthodox church in Asia, was originally built in 1907 as an impressive spiritual symbol to restore the morale of the Russian No.4 Army Division, which had been defeated by the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. It was expanded between September 23, 1923, and November 25, 1932 – modeled after Christ the Savior Cathedral in Borki, Ukraine – to better serve the city's 100,000 Russian residents. After the Communist victory in 1949, all Christian activities in China ceased. The church fell into disrepair over the course of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, and managed to survive. It was only after St. Sophia was designated as a First Class Preserved Building in 1996, that it was restored with US$1.5 million in donations from local businesses and citizens. Saint Sophia now operates as Harbin's Municipal Architecture and Art Museum. (Brian K. Smith photo.) Visit Adventurocity for related articles or find out how to travel here in the Adventurocity Forum.


Snow and Ice World festival in Harbin, China
Made by Rincewind42
The annual Snow and Ice World festival in Harbin, in the north east of China attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Harbin (哈尔滨), is the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. Harbin is the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeastern China. Harbin is originally a Manchu word meaning a place for drying fishing nets. Harbin bears the nicknames The Pearl on the swan's neck because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan, and Ice City for its long and cold winter. This city is most famous for its beautiful display of ice sculptures in winter and is known as China’s gateway to trade with Russia. In the 1920s, Harbin was considered China's fashion capital as new designs from Paris and Moscow reached there first before arriving in Shanghai. Harbin is also a potential candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics. For more information about Harbin, please visit my website: www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Harbin


20090130 - Harbin - Songbei District - Siberian Tiger Park
Made by Jeremy Tan, KL
Siberian Tiger Park As the natural environment becomes worse, many creatures are endangered and some have died out. The Siberian tiger is considered endangered. It is the largest felid in the world and is known as the King of the Forest. In the 1980s, it was listed as one of the first-class national protected animals of China. To preserve this valuable species, the Siberian Tiger Park was built in 1996. The park is located on the north bank of the Songhua River to the northwest of Harbin, occupying an area of 1,440,000 square meters (355.8 acres). It is the largest natural park for wild Siberian tigers in the world at present. The park enjoys a favorable foundation for ecotourism and splendid scenery and it is an ideal place for holiday and leisure. There are over 500 purebred Siberian tigers here, with 100 visible to visitors. In addition, visitors can also see white tigers, lions, lynx, leopards, and black pumas as well as Bengali tigers. - www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/heilongjiang/harbin/s...


View from window
Made by yewenyi
When I first arrived in Harbin I wanted to find a hotel in the Lonely Planet. However, I read in instructions incorrectly and it took quite a while to find. I had to ask about three locals. But before this, the women hawking rooms came and found me. They offered a room for Y30. At first I was confused, surely I was hearing it incorrectly. But they were definitely saying Y30, so I just had to go to have a look. In a side street one block behind where I took this photo, there was a small door. This lead up a small stair. On the 5th floor was a small hotel. Each room was the size of a bed. Some had TV sets. China Heilongjiang Harbin20061031 IMG_0552.jpg


20090130 - Harbin - Sun Island - Harbin Polarland
Made by Jeremy Tan, KL
Covering an area of 16,000 square meters (1.6 Hectares), Harbin Polarland is the first polar land themed park combining animal shows, polar land sights and an interactive experience into one. It is located at the famous scenic site in Harbin – Sun Island. Based on the mysterious polar region and using design ideas from an advanced theme park, the park is ready to offer every visitor a wondrous, dreamy and happy round-the-world journey which is told as stories or scenarios. - www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/heilongjiang/harbin/p...


Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
Made by adventurocity
Sphinx ice sculpture at the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. One of the four largest in the world, the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has been held in Heilongjiang 's capital since 1963. It officially starts on January 5 and lasts a month, but may open earlier and last longer, depending on the weather. Temperatures can drop as low as -38 degrees Celsius. (Brian K. Smith photo.) Visit Adventurocity for related articles or find out how to travel here in the Adventurocity Forum.


Harbin St Sophia Long Shadows
Made by 林云山水
This is the largest Orthodox church in East Asia. It was built between 1923 and 1932. Thirty years ago it was derelict and surrounded by dilapidated tall buildings. After 1996 when it was declared a protected building it was renovated and thebuildings around it demolished. A fine square dedicated to Harbin's Russian past was built around it. Originally it had been planned to restore the building to use as a church and even the Russian Orthodox crosses were put back. But so thoroughly has Harbin's Russianness been exterminated that no worshippers remained. It is now an art and architecture gallery.


time washed away
Made by Cåsver
Dome of St Sophia Cathedral in Harbin, China. The cathedral is the largest orthodox church in the Far East. Built in 1932 by the 4th Siberian Infantry Division, it was abandoned and closed after communists took over in 1949 and severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). In 1997 the city reopened the cathedral and turned it into a architectural museum. 哈尔滨圣索菲亚教堂/St Sophia Cathedral/Софийский собор. Heilongjiang, China.


Harbin Ice and Snow World Sculptures
Made by adventurocity
Spectacular lit ice sculptures at the 11th Harbin Ice and Snow World on the bank of the Songhua River, part of the city's International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. This year, sculptors from all over the world used 150,000 cubic meters of ice and 100,000 cubic meters of snow to create more than 2,000 sculptures. (Brian K. Smith photo.) Visit Adventurocity for related articles or find out how to travel here in the Adventurocity Forum.


hallelujah!
Made by Cåsver
The St Sophia Cathedral in Harbin, China, largest orthodox church in the Far East. Built in 1932 by the 4th Siberian Infantry Division, it was abandoned and closed after communists took over in 1949 and severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). In 1997 the city reopened the cathedral and turned it into a architectural museum. 哈尔滨圣索菲亚教堂/St Sophia Cathedral/Софийский собор. Heilongjiang, China.