Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin
St. Sophia Church of Harbin is the largest Orthodox Cathedral in Far East. It displays Harbin's diverse culture and special historical memory with its unique Russian Byzantine architecture and the square of music fountain next to it with roosting pigeons. It can be comparable to Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
Construction of Saint Sophia Cathedral Harbin commenced in 1907 during the Qing Dynasty. Originally built as a wooden military chapel for the Russian Empire's Fourth East Siberian Infantry Division, it was completed in 1932. The cathedral suffered severe damage during the 1960s and 1970s, but in 1997, the Harbin Municipal Government undertook a comprehensive restoration project to preserve the cathedral according to its original design.
In 2016, Harbin St. Sophia Cathedral was listed as one of the “First Batch of China's 20th Century Architectural Heritage Sites.” Nowadays Saint Sophia Cathedral was renamed "Harbin Building Art Museum", and has become the symbolic architecture, hance also one of a must-see places if you travel in Harbin. Compared with the daytime, the night scene of the church is more beautiful. When the night comes, the church is more majestic, mysterious and exotic, under the support of lights.
Harbin Saint Sophia Cathedral Facts
History of St. Sophia Church
Located in the central of Harbin, St. Sophia Cathedral was first built in March, 1907 (the 33rd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty), as a Russian Army church, to peace the minds of soldiers who were far from home. At that time, it was an all-wood church.
In 1923, as the number of Orthodox Christians increases in Harbin, the restoration of this church began. It was completed after 9 year of construction and became a splendid Byzantine featured architecture with red bricks and green onion dome in November, 1932. It became the largest Orthodox church in the Far East region.
It was repaired and extended a square in 1997, expanding the artistic features of the building and showing the multicultural influence of Harbin.
Harbin has many other smaller orthodox churches still active for use. But St. Sophia Church has been turned into the Municipal Architecture and Art Museum with exhibitions of the architectural history of the city. No wonder it is a must-visit sight in Harbin.
Layout and Architectural Features
Harbin Saint Sophia Cathedral features a Greek cross floor plan with north-south symmetry. It measures 42 meters in length from east to west and 28 meters in width from north to south, presenting an overall shape that approximates a square.
The architecture of St. Sophia Church is magnificent and exquisite. The existing masonry church was built in 1932. It is 53.25 meters high with a floor area of 721 square meters. With the elegant Byzantine style, St. Sophia Church boasts typical onion-shape domes, which can be seen from far.
The whole church is a courtyard building, with a standard big dome on the top of the main building, red-brick wall, lofty and spacious. Beside the main dome, standing four tent roofs of different sizes with crosses on the top, form a layout of primary and secondary. The front door is topped by a bell tower, and the seven brass bells are exactly seven notes. Trained bell ringers use their hands and feet to strike the bells in cadence.
The inside of church not only has exquisite murals, but also exhibits the development of Harbin city. Seeing the pictures, visitors can learn the past, present and future of Harbin, finding huge changes of the city.
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Today's St. Sophia Cathedral: From a Religious Site to The Cultural Landmark
Back to one tens of years ago, St. Sophia Cathedral served as a religious venue for the Russian Consulate General in Harbin. However, with the changing times, its religious function gradually diminished, stead it has been transformed into an important cultural landmark and tourist attraction in Harbin.
So, what can we see there apart from its beautiful architecture? Today, the interior of the cathedral has been converted into the Harbin Architectural Art Museum. With thousands of pictures and city planning models, it showcase Harbin's historical changes and architectural achievements. You can also admire the cathedral's ceiling and exquisite artworks such as a replica of "The Last Supper." Additionally, violin or flute concerts are occasionally held inside Saint Sophia Cathedral Harbin .
Outside the church, you can stroll through the exotic 50,000-square-meter Sofia Square, where there are many lively and lovely pigeons, newlyweds taking wedding photos, and a large musical fountain in the summer.
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Best Locations to Take Photos of St. Sophia Cathedral Harbin
- Main entrance square: Use a wide-angle lens to capture a panoramic view of the symmetrical architecture.
- Church at a 45-degree angle: Capture the building's three-dimensionality.
- Main entrance fountain: Use the water's surface to photograph the church's reflection.
- 4th-floor terrace of the opposite shopping mall: Seize the opportunity to capture a panoramic view of the church and the Harbin skyline from above.
So, when is the best time to shoot? 8-9 am: Fewer tourists, sunlight shines obliquely on the red bricks. After 3 pm: Indoor light shines through the stained glass windows, creating a stunning effect. And of course, at night! When the Harbin Saint Sophia Cathedral's lights are fully on, combined with the snowy scenery, you'll feel like you're in Moscow.
How To Go There?
If you’re strolling in the Central Street of Harbin, walking to St. Sophia Church will be a good choice, and it’s also a good chance to enjoy the city sights on the way. It only takes 15 minutes walking (around 1.1km).
Or Bus 1, 5, 20, 53, 61, 113, 114 or 206 in downtown can bring to the cathedral; just get off at Zhaolin Street Station.
If you drop on Bus 101 or 103 at Harbin Railway Station, getting off at Hayibai Station will be the closest.
Best Time to Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral Harbin
In Winter: November through March is undoubtedly the best time! The church is blanketed in snow, and when illuminated at night, it transforms into an “ice and light spectacle,” with lasers projecting snowflakes, birds, and Russian prayers onto its walls.
in Spring: Late April to early May, the church's rear garden blooms with tulips, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.
In Summer: Seeking China's best summer destination? Harbin from June to August, along with St. Sophia Cathedral, offers perfect respite from the heat.
In Autumn: September to October, the square's lawns turn golden, while white doves flutter against the red brick walls and autumn sky.
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