https://uk.trip.com/moments/detail/xianning-861-121081115/
TYSON DAVIDSON

The northern country boasts beautiful scenery, all of which can be found in Harbin

When Beijing is already immersed in warmth, Harbin still retains the vigor of winter days. This city, which became famous in winter because of 'Little Potato' and 'Sugar Tangerine Your Highness', returns to its usual tranquility at the tail end of winter, though the sub-zero temperatures necessitate a return to winter attire. Due to a business trip schedule, there was no chance to wander around during the day, only catching a glimpse of the beautiful silhouette of the Sophia Church from a taxi, and only at night did I have the opportunity to see the true face of the church. The Sophia Church at night is much quieter, but the magnificent architecture, the tall domes, and the intricate carvings, under the flickering lights, further highlight the solemnity of the church. Having visited many churches in Europe, including York Minster, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Cologne Cathedral, Western churches often feature towering ceilings, rich and intricate stained glass, and lifelike sculptures, making one feel small and in awe of 'Heaven'; in contrast, Eastern temples, whether Buddhist or Taoist, are mostly hidden in the mountains and forests, with low-lying buildings as the mainstay, where one feels more integrated with nature, leading to a sense of unity between heaven and man, and a oneness with all things, which may be the difference in worldviews between East and West. Next to the church, I had Madieer ice cream with a colleague, and indeed, eating ice cream in winter has its own charm; walking along the avenue to Central Street, the journey is lined with Soviet-style buildings, reflecting each other in the light. It must be said that the three northeastern provinces are indeed a treasure trove, with Jilin's natural scenery, Heilongjiang's exotic charm, and Liaoning's cultural resources, all worth exploring in depth. It seems that Heilongjiang in summer is more interesting than in winter, with the Lesser Xing'an Range being a natural oxygen bar and a summer retreat, and I will definitely take the opportunity to experience it.
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*Created by local travelers and translated by AI.
Posted: Apr 14, 2024
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St. Sophia Cathedral

4.6/55770 reviews | Churches and Cathedrals
Harbin
#2 of Night Attractions in Heilongjiang
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