St. Sophia Church

Introducing St. Sophia Church
Harbin St. Sophia Church, or the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God, covering an area of 721 square meters, is a former Russian Orthodox Church located in Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang Province. First built in 1907, Harbin St. Sophia Church is the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East and is one of the most magnificent structures in the city. After being restored and rebuilt multiple times, Harbin St. Sophia Church was turned into the Municipal Architecture and Art Museum in 1997, showcasing the multi-cultural architectural development of Harbin throughout the ages. Harbin St. Sophia Church is hailed as a monumental work of art.

St. Sophia Church Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Sheng Suofeiya Jiaotang 圣•索菲亚教堂
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to late March
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Orthodox Study
• Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥15
• Address: No.88 Toulong Street, Daoli District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

What to expect at St. Sophia Church

Harbin St. Sophia Church was designed as a east west Latin cross. With a dome on the top, the wall in red bricks, the St. Sophia Church is of orderly complex. And the bell chime of St. Sophia Church carry a long way in this city.

St. Sophia Church features Harbin’s exotic culture landscape, also an evident of the Russia’s invasion in Northeastern China. The St. Sophia Church plays a implacable role on the development of Harbin’s economy, politics and tourism.

How to get to St. Sophia Church
• Take bus No. 1, 5, 13, 20, 47, 53, 61, 85, 113, 114, 130, 131, 132, 133, 136, or 206 and get off at Zhaolinjie Station.
• Take bus No. 2, 8, 23, 28, 29, 42, 52, 74, 116 or 201 and get off at Jianzhu Yishu Guangchang Station.

Additional travel advice on St. Sophia Church
• Please wear warm clothes and keep the camera, telephone or other electronic equipment warm to work with battery while taking outdoor activities in winter.
• There are many shopping malls around the Sophia Square.