St. Sophia Church
Overview
Saint Sophia Cathedral(also known as Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God) in Harbin is a former Russian Orthodox church located on the corner of Toulin Street (Toulin jie) and Zhaolin Street (Zhaolin jie) in the central district of Daoli, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China.
Know more
Saint Sophis Cathedral is 53.3 meters (175 feet) high and occupies an area of 721 square meters (0.18 acres).It was a member of the 22 Eastern Orthodox churchs in Harbin in those years built in 1907 and rebuilt in 1923 .Besides,it was the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Far East.During the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution period, it was closed, and recently it was turned into a museum, showcasing the multi-cultural architecture of Harbin.
The Byzantine style church is so beautiful, it is said to look as if it had been made by God's hands. In fact, St. Sophia means "God's wisdom". Having a Latin cross footprint, the church's original shape was preserved during 
reconstruction. The church has four floors and is accessible by a door on each side. Until the 1960's, the bell tower over the entrance housed 7 bells of different sizes and tones. When there were religious festivals in the past, a well-trained ringer would play musical progressions, tolling the bells with ropes tied to his hands and feet. The bells resounded to the skies.
The church was well-decorated,so in nowadays there are often some exhibitions.Because it is located in the downtown the square outside the church is a good place for resident have a rest.
Opening hours:8:00 to 20:30
How to get there:NO.2,NO.5,NO.13,NO.15,NO.23,NO.64,NO.113 will take you right there.
Tips
For the photographer, photography is permitted by purchasing a special ticket to hang on your camera.
Must see
St.Sophia Church Square is outside the church with an area of 7,000 square meters.Now it is a good place for resident and foreign tourists to enjoy the architecture and have a rest........more
