Harbin's century-old church is worth visiting

Every city has its own unique tone and atmosphere. In the century-old buildings of Harbin, a city with a rich history, there is both the hustle and bustle of the streets and the most authentic way of life. Over the years, the once magnificent old church in Harbin has become a part of modern life for the people of Harbin. Let's travel together with the editor below~

Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Mother of God

This church was originally built in 1902 and has a history of over a hundred years. It once served as a place of prayer and an Orthodox cemetery church. It is currently the only church in Harbin where Orthodox activities have been restored. Designed by the famous Russian architect Yu. P. Zhdanov in 1930, it imitates the artistic style of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. The wooden structure church was rebuilt into a brick church in pure Byzantine style. It is now located on the south side of Dongdazhi Street (No. 268 Dongdazhi Street) in Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Originally built in March 1907 as a military church, it is now the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Harbin and the Far East, and also serves as the Harbin Architectural Art Gallery. The second reconstruction took place in September 1923 and lasted for 9 years. This building was completed by Russian architect K. A. Yasiakov in 1932. Influenced by Byzantine architecture, it features traditional Russian 'onion dome' tent roofs, Romanesque high arched windows, and an organic combination of various architectural styles. The walls are entirely made of red bricks, and the building layout adopts a Greek East-West Latin cross pattern.

Daowai Mosque

Originally named Harbin Mosque, also known as Binjiang Mosque, it is currently the largest Islamic mosque in Northeast China. The designers were the Klappert siblings. In 1897, there were only five thatched huts, and later a church was built. This church is the largest Arab-style building in Heilongjiang Province and the main venue for Muslim religious activities in Harbin. It is a gathering place for Muslims in Harbin. The mosque's dome and the shapes of its doors and windows adopt Arab-style domes and round arches. The front of the dome features thirty green domes standing side by side. The tower tops of the Moon-Watching Tower and the main tower have crescent moons, white backgrounds with green patterns, and gold decorations. It is now located on South Twelfth Street in Daowai District, Harbin.

Hulan Catholic Church

It was first built in 1908, presided over by French priest Dai Zhida. In 1945, it was occupied by the Soviet Red Army, and after 1956, it was used by Hulan Normal School, during which it served as a warehouse. After restoration, it became the largest Catholic church in Heilongjiang. Its main building is a twin-tower French-style church, Gothic in design. Due to its resemblance to Notre-Dame de Paris, it is known as the 'Notre-Dame of the East'. The Catholic church mainly consists of the Catholic church itself and the church buildings. The interior of the church is very large, with two rows of tall columns. The restored church appears even taller.
Established in 1901, it was leased to the People's Armed Forces Department of the Harbin Branch of the China Hardware Machinery Company for a period of time. It was restored in 2001 and is now the only Tatar Mosque in the North. Its designer is the famous Russian architect Zhdanov. The building combines Byzantine and Arabic styles, is five stories high, and has a green dome and red and white walls.

St. Iver Church

Originally an Orthodox garrison church, according to the recollections of the older generation, it was once a music school and also housed a garment factory. It is currently under construction at the north square of Harbin Station and will become part of the north square's architecture. The original seven spires have been removed. The building is of eclectic style, made of brick and wood, with exquisite murals still remaining on the exterior walls. In front of the church is an orphanage, which features famous mosaic murals and vibrant colors.