Harbin: sightseeing. History of Harbin

A Chinese city with Russian roots - that's what Harbin is often called. Scientists argue, giving all the new evidence of this or that point of view. And tours in Harbin are invariably popular with Russians.

History

There are two main points of view regarding the founding of this city. Russian scientists say that Harbin was founded as a settlement for builders of the Sino-East Railway. In this regard, the date of appearance of the city is considered May 25, 1898. Chinese specialists insist that even before that time there were villages in the place of Harbin, so that only the beginning of the "Russian" period can be connected with this date. There are many arguments on both sides, disputes do not stop, but to deny the fact that for more than half a century the history of the city has been closely connected with Russia, it's just strange.

So, the construction of the CER strongly linked the north-east of China with the neighboring country, weakening the influence of Europe and Japan. Therefore, the appearance of the railroad has become a matter not of infrastructure, but of politics. Of course, it connected Siberia with the Far East and became an important transport artery, but it is also impossible to name the strengthening of communication with China as a secondary goal.

Initially, people who spoke different languages settled in Harbin separately. In the Russian part were opened their schools, all the inscriptions were on the "great and mighty," even the architecture was strikingly different from the second district. This trend continued after the October Revolution, which made the city the center of emigration in Asia. By the way, at some point he almost became Soviet - the rebellion, inspired by Bolshevik-minded residents, was quickly suppressed.

Since the middle of the XX century, emigrants began to leave Harbin, leaving back to Russia or other countries. An important role in this, probably, was played by the growing hostility of the Chinese towards foreigners - the Russians did not always behave correctly with the owners. But the main reason was the sale of Japan to the Soviet part of the property in the city.

Modernity

Now the city has become completely different. Nothing reveals the fact that the history of Harbin was closely related to the "older brother", as the Chinese used to call the Soviet Union. Is that the number of foreigners, among whom Russian-speakers prevail.

Modern Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, located in the northeast of China. Its population is about 10 million people, despite the sharply continental climate with severe winters. It is an important economic and industrial center of the PRC. And it is he who is the most popular city among Russian tourists. So, what does Harbin offer to travelers?

sights

Despite the fact that the "Russian period" of history is long over, in the guise of the city, still something is visible. Much has been destroyed, but some buildings have remained untouched:

• Central Street (Zhongen Dojo). Pedestrian zone with a length of 1.4 kilometers is a real museum of architecture in the open air. It is very crowded, because even the locals are very fond of walking.
• Orthodox church of St. Sophia. This is one of the few remaining Orthodox buildings in Harbin. Inside, however, nothing resembles an ordinary church - photographs are displayed illustrating the "Russian" period of the city's history.
• New synagogue. White emigration from Russia, of course, included Jews. And in this building there are exhibits telling about their life in Harbin. Nearby there are also an old synagogue and a Jewish school.
• TV tower. "Dragon" - this is the name of this building. It is the tallest steel tower in Northeast Asia. At the very top is a revolving restaurant, and those who do not have enough to admire the beautiful view from the window can get out on the roof.
• Sunny island. Here is a park where local people like to visit, photographed newlyweds. Also here there are cells with squirrels, deer and a pond with turtles.
• Park of the Amur tigers. These beautiful animals in the world are not so many, and the more valuable the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, having passed in a fully enclosed bus through the reserve. Animals can even be fed, so it's definitely worth a visit.

Thousands of tourists come to Harbin every year. The sights they visit are restored on time, so many return here again. Not the least role in this is played by annual festivals.

Developments

One of the most interesting events for tourists, not only in Harbin, but also in the whole of China, is the famous festival of snow and ice, which takes place here every year. The history of this holiday has been around for 3 decades, but only recently it has acquired the current scale.

15 thousand sculptors from different countries come to Harbin every year in early December to show their skills by building, for example, a four-meter sculpture or a castle with a height of five-story house. The official opening of the festival is on January 5. Approximately until mid-February, the entire Sun Island turns into a real winter fairy tale. It is not surprising that winter tours in Harbin are so popular, and travelers are ready to tolerate frost and long flights to get here.

Nevertheless, this is not the only event that attracts residents from different countries. The International Beer Festival in August, the July Music Competition, the Lantern Festival, and the Chinese New Year are all worthy of visiting Harbin. Sights, of course, are also interesting, but colorful annual events will give an unforgettable experience.

Interesting places in the vicinity

There are no large cities near Harbin, but this does not mean that it is not worth to go outside the city limits. Very near there are several large ski centers, which attract many fans of extreme sports. Because for fans of winter entertainment this is another reason to visit Harbin. Attractions that can not be seen in Europe, low prices, developed transport network - for tourists from the Far East is an excellent option for both a short and a long enough trip.

Infrastructure

For many residents of the European part of the continent, almost all of Asia is the Far East. The cities are nearby, so you might think that from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Beijing you can get on the bus. Of course, this is not so. And the largest Russian city, Vladivostok, closest to Harbin, is about 500 kilometers away.

Nevertheless, it is not difficult to get here, because the city is a major transport hub. Harbin (Taiping Airport) accepts aircraft from international companies such as Aeroflot, Air France, KLM, Air China and many others. This is one of the largest airways in the north-east of the country.

There is also a large train station through which trains run to many Chinese cities. Soon it is planned to organize a high-speed route to Kazakhstan. Thus, the development of transport infrastructure in Harbin is in full swing.