Harbin was founded by the Russians at the very end of the nineteenth century. Although enough time has passed, the connection between our cultures has not been lost. There are many buildings and attractions in the city, one way or another connected with Russia. One of the most famous parks is named after Stalin, and the Volga estate is a large and popular cultural and tourist center. Even on the largest pedestrian street in Asia, it is Russian shops and restaurants that stand out from the crowd.
There are enough modern buildings in Harbin, for example, the opera house opened in 2015 is a real work of architectural art. Locals and visitors can relax in theme parks or in the indoor ski resort. Wildlife lovers should visit the park with Amur tigers.
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What to see and where to go in Harbin?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Sophia Cathedral
Built in 1907. Has undergone major changes over the next two decades. The three-domed temple has a height of about 48 meters, made in the pseudo-Russian style. The interior painting was done by the artist Anastasiev. For some time after the departure of the Russians, it stood in desolation. Restoration has been carried out, and since 1996 the cathedral has been included in the list of cultural monuments. An architectural museum is based there.
Zhongyang pedestrian street
Also called "Central". It stretches from Flood Victors Square to Jingwei Street. The largest pedestrian street in Asia. The length is almost 1.5 thousand meters, the width is 21 meters. Appeared at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Initially, it was dirty, but in 1923 it began to acquire a respectable appearance. Since now there are many shops here, the area has become not only a walking area, but a place for active shopping.
Park "Sunny Island"
It is located on several islands surrounded by lakes and the Sungari River. The area is 3.8 thousand hectares. Has two zones: park and resort. A wide variety of flora and fauna complements the local beauty. In summer, tourists visit the spacious white sand beach. In winter, all kinds of sports competitions are held here. In the southern part there is a Russian district, where the corresponding architecture and institutions.
Monument to the Flood Fighters
Installed at the entrance to the Stalin Park. The monument appeared in 1958 and is dedicated to the events that took place a year earlier. The Sungari River overflowed its banks and threatened several areas of the city at once. All available forces and resources were thrown into the fight against the elements. Currently, dams have been built to prevent such a scenario. The memorial complex consists of a column 13 meters high and a gallery, which is almost 2 times lower.
Stalin Park
Broken in 1953. In the past, there were storage facilities here. Occupies an area of 10 km². Stretches along the embankment. There are many monuments and sculptures in the park, including a bust of Stalin. The square in the center is the venue for events during public holidays. One of the most popular places in the park is the Pribrezhny restaurant of Russian cuisine. Its building is an example of Russian wooden architecture.
Zhaolin Park
Located in the center near the main pedestrian street of the city. Founded in 1906. In the heart of the park, you can find an artificial lake and a picturesque mountain. Visiting at different times of the year will give new impressions. For example, in the summer there are many attractions for all ages. And in winter, a festival of snow and ice sculptures is held. There are also skating rinks and play areas for the youngest tourists.
Detachment 731 Museum
Founded in 1978. Its goal is to prevent new generations from forgetting about the terrible pages of Chinese history. The exposition tells about the activities of the secret Japanese detachment 731. The wards of the military biologist Shiro Ishii tortured the prisoners and carried out inhuman experiments on them. In 1945, all test subjects, along with their equipment, were destroyed. The museum is located in the former headquarters of the detachment. The entrance is free.
Heilongjiang Science and Technology Museum
Opened since 2003. The area is 50 thousand square meters, of which 13.5 thousand square meters are exhibition halls. There are about 200 exhibits in the large hall. In total, the exposition occupies 3 floors. The exhibitions are divided into 12 zones according to the field of science and subject matter. Interactive programs have been developed. The museum's cinema is one of the most modern in the world. There are premises for holding international conferences.
Heilongjiang Provincial Museum
The building was built in 1904. There was a Moscow store inside. Later, part of the premises was taken as a bank and post office. Since 1923, temporary exhibitions have been held here. The area is 12 thousand square meters. The permanent exhibition was launched after the liberation of China. There are over 107 thousand exhibits. Most of it is held in funds, the most significant are exhibited in three rooms. The first one tells about ancient relics, the other 2 - about the animals of the region.
Harbin opera house
Opened in 2015. Built on a swampy island on the banks of the Sungari. It is connected with the city by an automobile bridge. The building is futuristic: smooth curved lines should emphasize harmony with the surrounding area. The construction of the roof and walls made the atrium very light. The hall is sheathed with wood and can accommodate 1600 spectators. The area of the theater and the adjacent territory is 80 thousand square meters.
Jile
Founded in 1923. The name of this Buddhist temple translates as "bliss" or "supreme joy." In terms of the area of internal premises, it is one of the largest in the north-east of the country. The height of the building is about 30 meters. Consists of several rooms. Each of them has Buddha statues. The area around Jile is also decorated with monuments of various sizes.
Temple of Confucius
Built in the 20s of the last century. The area of the territory, including the temple itself, is 25 thousand square meters. There is a souvenir shop just outside the gate. Nearby, on a special pedestal, there is a beam, with which the gates were locked in the past. She is touched to gain peace of mind. Since 1998, there has been a statue of Confucius in the courtyard. There are several separate rooms, each with its own purpose. For example, there is a museum in one of the halls.
Cable car through the Sungari
It is laid over the river and connects the city with the "Sunny Island". Length - 156 meters, maximum height - 70 meters, travel speed - up to 5 km / h. Tourists have a choice - small cabins or classic eight-seater. In one hour, when fully loaded, the cable car is capable of transporting about one and a half thousand passengers. During a short and comfortable trip, you can admire the surroundings.
Dragon Tower
Used for its intended purpose - for broadcasting radio and television signals. Height - 336 meters. The highest in Asia and the second largest in the world. There are several observation platforms, as well as a revolving restaurant, from which the panorama of the city is also clearly visible. In the dark, the tower is illuminated with spotlights. The first floors are reserved for the exhibition of wax figures and souvenir shops.
Harbin wanda city
The largest indoor ski resort in the world. It works all year round, the temperature inside the main premises is about -5 ° C. There are several slopes of varying difficulty. The height difference reaches 80 meters. The area of the entertainment area in the park around the covered slope exceeds 15 thousand square meters. About 30 show programs are available to visitors. There are not only winter attractions, but also theatrical performances.
Harbin Polar Oceanarium
Located on the "Sunny Island". The area is over 1.5 hectares. The conditions for comfortable living of many polar species of animals and fish have been recreated here.Penguins and sea lions performances are held daily. You can watch the inhabitants of the park both in the immediate vicinity and through large monitors installed in the premises. There are cafes and souvenir shops.
Siberian Tiger Park
Located 15 km from the city. Area - 356 hectares. It was originally opened to save the population of the Amur tigers, which are considered an endangered species. Later it was turned into a tourist center. The money received from visitors remains in the park and goes to its maintenance. The number of tigers has grown from 8 individuals to several hundred. Visitors are allowed not only to look at wild cats, but also to participate in their feeding.
Estate "Volga"
Located in the suburbs of Harbin. The area of the territory is 600 thousand square meters. All buildings are made in the traditional Russian style. In addition to walking areas, restaurants with Russian cuisine, conference rooms and natural beauty, there are cozy hotels within the complex. Since 2011, the status of the "Volga" as a state-level attraction has been increased. This does not prevent the estate from hosting festive events such as weddings.
Forest Botanical Garden
Founded in 1958. The area is about 136 hectares. It is divided into zones where about 1.4 thousand species of plants have been planted. The garden of medicinal plants is of particular interest to tourists. An extensive rose garden is highlighted separately. One of the distinguishing features is that the park's employees try to keep it blooming all year round. Therefore, in place of withering specimens, new ones immediately appear.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
First held in 1985. Since then it has become annual, and lasts a month starting on January 5th. The tradition of making ice lanterns dates back to the Qing Dynasty. In the present, we have gone far enough from it in meaning, but retained the basics. During the festival, an entire ice city appears on the streets of Harbin. Snow and ice sculptures are illuminated to give them even more beauty and grace.
