Album: Harbin – St Sophia Square

In July 2011 I visited St Sophia church and square on two occasions. First was in the evening; second was on a sunny afternoon. There was something special both times.

Click on the first image to display in full-screen mode.

Approaching St Sophia’s for the first time in late evening, the sun was reflecting off the windows.

The square was full of people. Soon I learned why.

There are some remarkable fountains in the square. In the evening children and families came to play.

Meanwhile, St Sophia continues to be a reminder of the historical beginnings of of Harbin.

The church was completed in the 1932 in the Byzantine style (of the Orthodox Christian tradition), not long before the Japanese takeover of Manchuria.

The second day, I approached the square on a bright Saturday afternoon.

Also known as LianSheng Square, this is often viewed as the heart of Harbin.

Once a very cosmopolitan city with a large Russian and Jewish population, historical events caused both groups to later vacate the city.

Much of the original interior docoration of the cathedral was destroyed by the excesses of the Cultural Revolution.

Today, the building has been restored as an art gallery and museum dedicated to telling the story of Harbin City.

Several hundred Orthodox Christians continue to live in Harbin, but now gather for worship in smaller church buildings.

The square was full of people. Soon I learned why.

Today, to the delight of local families and tourists, the fountains provide an amazing show.

Various government buildings surround the square, also known as LianSheng Square.

The children love to play in the spray of the fountains…

… and are allowed to dress appropriately for the occasion.

But, it’s not only the children… but this woman, too… with a bit more modesty.

Not sure of the history of this, but it is part of the entrance to the square.

At the corner of the square, perhaps an entrance to an underground shopping area. (I didn’t check it out.)

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