A Fantastic Journey Across Eurasia｜A Comprehensive Guide to Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg, nestled at the eastern foot of the Ural Mountains and on the banks of the Iset River, is a dazzling gem sparkling on the dividing line between Europe and Asia. It blends European elegance with Asian mystique, exuding a unique charm that attracts countless visitors. Now, follow this guide and embark on your fantastic journey to Yekaterinburg✨ 📅Best Time to Travel Yekaterinburg has a continental climate, with dry and cold winters and snowy landscapes. The average temperature in January is as low as -16°C, and the lowest temperature can reach -54.6°C. Summers are relatively cool, with an average temperature of around 18°C in July and a high of over 30°C. If you want to experience the winter snowscape and festive atmosphere, winter (December–February) is a good choice. You can enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snow viewing, but be sure to take warm clothing🧣. If you want to enjoy comfortable weather and ample outdoor activities, summer (June–August) is more suitable. Daylight hours are longer, giving you more time to explore the city. ✈️Transportation Guide • Airplane: There are direct flights from Beijing to Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg. The airport is located southeast of the city's outskirts. You can take a taxi to the city center, which takes about 30–40 mins. The fare varies depending on the type of vehicle, roughly between RUB 100 and RUB 400. • Train: International trains K3/4 and K19/20 run directly from Beijing to Moscow, Russia, passing through Yekaterinburg. Yekaterinburg Railway Station is an important stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway. There are frequent trains between Yekaterinburg and Moscow, as well as many trains to Kazan and Novosibirsk. There is a subway station outside the railway station, making transportation convenient🚉. • Local Transportation: Yekaterinburg has a variety of public transportation options, including trams, trolleybuses, buses, and subways. Although there is only one subway line, it extends north to south, passing through the city center, which is very convenient. A single ticket costs about RUB 28. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations • City Center Area: It is recommended to stay near 1905 Square. The transportation is convenient, and there are many nearby attractions, such as the Church on the Blood and the Sevastyanov House, within walking distance. There are various hotel options, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Hotel Premier offers moderate prices, complete facilities, and attentive service. For a more upscale experience, Radisson Hotel Yekaterinburg provides high-quality accommodation and comprehensive amenities. • Near the Railway Station: If you are traveling by train, choosing accommodation near the railway station is very convenient. Hostel City Center is affordable and suitable for backpackers and budget travelers. 🍱Food Recommendations • Traditional Russian Cuisine: ◦ Borscht: Made with beets as the main ingredient, along with potatoes, carrots, onions, and other ingredients, this soup has a rich, sweet, and sour flavor and is a classic on the Russian table🥘. ◦ Caviar: Savor top-quality caviar, experience the wonderful taste of fish roe bursting on your tongue, and indulge in Russia's luxurious food culture. ◦ Roasted Meat: Russian roasted meat is known for its large portions and tender, juicy texture. Paired with special sauces, it leaves a lasting impression. • Local Snacks: ◦ Blini: These thin and soft pancakes can be paired with various fillings, such as sour cream, jam, and caviar, offering a rich variety of flavors. ◦ Kotleti: These deep-fried patties have a crispy exterior and juicy filling and are a favorite street food among locals. ◦ Kvass: A fermented beverage made from bread with a light fruity aroma, it is refreshing and thirst-quenching. • Recommended Chinese Restaurant: Pingpong Restaurant is located on 1905 Square, conveniently located near tourist attractions. The restaurant mainly serves Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Seafood noodles, sashimi sushi, seaweed rice balls, fried spring rolls, and miso soup are all popular choices at affordable prices. 📸Must-See Attractions • Church on the Blood: One of the largest churches in Yekaterinburg, built in the Byzantine style. It was built on the site of the last residence of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. There is still a small museum inside the church that tells the story of "the last days of the royal family." The church is free to visit and is open from 10:00 to 23:00. The museum is open from 10:00 to 19:00⛪. • Europe-Asia Border Obelisk: Experience the magical feeling of standing with one foot in Asia and the other in Europe. The old obelisk is located 17 km from the city on the Novo-Moskovsky Trakt in the western suburbs. Its base is made of dark red marble. The new obelisk is located 42 km northwest of the city. Its base is made of gray-white marble. It is 25m high, weighs 500 tons, and has a double-headed eagle symbol at the top. Both obelisks are free to visit🗺️. • 1905 Square: The main square in Yekaterinburg, home to the City Hall and the Lenin Monument. This is the starting point of the city's "Red Line" tourist route. Starting from here, follow the "Red Line" on foot to visit the city's famous churches, parks, theaters, and other cultural sites. The square is open to the public free of charge. The City Hall is open from 09:00 to 18:00. • Sevastyanov House: One of the most charming buildings in Yekaterinburg. Originally the mansion of Nikolai Ivanovich Sevastyanov, it is now a Russian historical and cultural heritage site and is featured on the RUB 3,000 banknote. It is free to visit and is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; from 13:00 to 21:00 on Thursdays; and from 10:00 to 17:00 on Fridays. 🎭Unique Experiences • Watch a Circus Performance: When you come to Russia, don't miss a spectacular circus performance. The Yekaterinburg State Circus is located on the picturesque bank of the Iset River, at the intersection of Gubyshev Street. It officially opened on February 1, 1980, and its interior is decorated with Ural gems. Here, you can enjoy thrilling acrobatics, hilarious clown performances, and wonderful shows featuring adorable animals. • Enjoy a Ballet: Follow the "Yellow Line" tourist route to the Opera and Ballet Theater and watch an authentic opera or ballet. The theater building is beautifully designed, and the performances are of high quality, immersing you in the world of art. ❗Important Notes • Visa: You need a visa to travel to Russia. It is recommended to understand the visa application process and required materials in advance and apply as early as possible. • Climate: Yekaterinburg has a cold climate, especially in winter. Be sure to bring enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, scarves, gloves, and snow boots. • Safety: Take care of your personal belongings and avoid crowded areas or areas with poor security. Local traffic speeds are generally high. Cross the street at pedestrian crossings, underground passages, or overpasses. Do not run red lights. Be aware of cold and slippery conditions during outdoor activities. Keep a safe distance from surrounding buildings to prevent injuries from falling snow or icicles. • Language: Although the main language in Yekaterinburg is Russian, many public places and tourist areas provide instructions and explanations in English or other languages. Consider bringing a translation tool just in case. • Religious Etiquette: Do not talk loudly or take photos casually in religious places such as churches. When entering a church, women should wear a headscarf or hat, and men should not wear hats.