Saint Sophia Cathedral

圣·索菲亚教堂

A Byzantine-style Orthodox church completed in 1907, with green onion domes and red-brick walls. It is Harbin's city landmark and the top spot for photos.

Saint Sophia Cathedral was begun in 1907. It was built by the Russian Empire as a military chapel for its garrison troops, and in 1932 it was converted into the Byzantine-style brick and stone building you see today. It stands 53.35 meters tall and was the largest Orthodox church in the Far East. It is now a national key cultural relic protection unit. The church is no longer used for religious purposes. Inside is the Harbin Architectural Art Museum, which displays historical photos of old Harbin and city planning models. Remnants of murals survive beneath the dome, and small organ or string concerts are often held.

Highlights: The exterior, with its red-brick walls and dark green onion domes, looks best after fresh snow against a blue sky or when lit up at night. Flocks of white pigeons gather in the square. Ice sculptures in Sophia Square and the surrounding Russian-style buildings are also worth seeing.

Admission: The outdoor square is free. Entry to the church interior costs about 15 to 20 yuan. Getting there: Get off at Museum station on Metro Line 1 or Central Street station on Line 2, then walk about 10 minutes. It is about 800 meters from the south end of Central Street, so you can combine it with Central Street and the Songhua River into one walking route.

Note: Flash photography is not allowed inside the church. In the square, some vendors offer photos in Russian costume, so ask about the price first. The square is windy in winter, so dress warmly.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

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