Saint Sophia Cathedral
Daoli, Harbin
The green-domed Russian cathedral that has become Harbin's skyline signature.
Saint Sophia is the largest Orthodox church in the Far East, built in 1907 when Harbin was the railroad hub of a Russian empire in China. The red-brick body and green onion dome survive the years, and the interior now houses a museum of Harbin's railway history.
The square in front fills with pigeons and wedding photos at dusk. Come as the lights come on - the dome against a cold blue sky is the postcard.
Best for: The onion dome that defines Harbin's skyline.
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