Harbin: The Ice-Snow Legend of the Oriental Paris! Central Avenue & St. Sophia Cathedral – A Farewell of 120,000 in Northeast China's Past
Time and again, I'm amazed by the snow in Harbin!
In the silent night, the north wind carries snowflakes,
Under the dim streetlights, the entire city looks like a frozen kingdom.
You must visit Harbin in winter,
Because there are many places with snow,
But only here has a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Yet this northeastern ice city, longed for by countless people,
Despite going viral online again and again,
Cannot retain hundreds of thousands of Harbin residents...
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Its permanent population has dropped below 10 million,
Making it China's most regrettable provincial capital!
In 2021, Harbin's total
Permanent population was 9.885 million,
Losing nearly 120,000 residents in one year.
Thus, it exited the "10-million city club,"
Leaving no northeastern city in the group,
The only provincial capital in China with population loss.
Outside the Northeast, Northeasterners are everywhere.
But how失落 it is now reflects how glorious it once was!
It was once the second-largest international metropolis in Asia,
Known as the "Oriental Little Paris."
This city, brought to life by the railroad, was forced to open as a treaty port.
Over 20 countries established consulates here.
Most goods from around the world could be purchased at the Universal Department Store.
Ranked among China's Top 10 for three decades.
The turbine factory, motor factory, and bearing factory
were successively established here, breaking records one after another.
Harbin is truly China's most regrettable provincial capital.
Its early achievements set too high a bar, and its later transformation failed to keep pace.
As a result, its beauty has been vastly underestimated!
© Tuchong: Jacky0110 _
It is the only Asian city designated as a "City of Music" by the UN.
Home to the first cinema, the first tourist train,
it was once a pioneer in culture and the arts.
It is a culinary paradise severely underestimated by Chinese foodies.
This is the birthplace of Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork),
along with a variety of unique snacks to delight your taste buds.
© Tuchong: Take a Bite of Cream Cake
It is also the most cosmopolitan city in Northeast China.
European and Russian influences permeate every corner.
Over 70 churches of diverse styles are a rare sight nationwide;
It's blanketed in dreamy, pristine snow,
Winter is Harbin's shining moment!
It's an ice and snow museum free of admission,
Without visiting, you'd never know,
It could be this beautiful yet this fun,
Making people so obsessed with the frozen wonderland.
Before you know it, you'll "turn white-haired together" in Harbin!
Take a stroll to St. Sophia Cathedral!
Everything feels so magical, like the wizarding world of Hogwarts.
By day, linger around architectures of varied charms,
Neoclassical, Gothic, Byzantine,
And Baroque buildings stand in tight rows.
When night falls and neon lights glow,
Central Street sheds its daytime crowds.
Only light footsteps on the breadstone pavement remain,
You'll truly feel why it's deservedly called the "Oriental Little Paris".
© Tuchong fpbileoxu17
Wander along Gogol Street!
Gogol Bookstore is China's most beautiful European-style bookstore,
Holding a beloved book, quietly passing the time;
Until the lights of the Alexeev Church
Fully illuminate, the snow slightly melts, enhancing its sanctity.
The unique Sino-Baroque architectural style here,
Is a favorite filming location for movies and TV shows,
And also the ordinary days of the old town's residents,
A fusion of European charm and Eastern civilization that leaves you enchanted.
© Tuchong: HansZ _
Winter in Volga is simply breathtaking,
Step into Pavlov Castle and St. Nicholas Cathedral,
Then savor a strong glass of vodka,
As if Russian arias could be heard in the air.
Harbin's delightful ice activities,
Are a once-in-a-lifetime snowy adventure!
Be sure to visit the Binzhou Railway Bridge and the Songhua River.
The earliest railway bridge over the Songhua River,
Stretching across the river like a colossal beast,
Walking on the transparent glass walkway offers a direct view of the river below.
It becomes a paradise for play.
Ice carts, horse-drawn sleighs, spinning ice tops...
Dog sledding, off-road vehicles...
That excitement and joy cannot be experienced in the south.
This snowy fairy-tale wonderland,
is the world's largest and most beautiful "Ice and Snow Disneyland",
and also an exhibition hall for large-scale ice sculpture displays.
© Tuchong cerkang
During the day, sunlight passes through jade-like ice rocks,
refracting into dazzling colorful halos, making it exceptionally photogenic;
When night falls, colorful lights illuminate the scene,
not to mention the numerous entertainment activities available.
© Tuchong 云深处倚栏听风
Be sure to visit Harbin Music Park.
The 18-meter-tall snowman stands here,
and it's said a similar one appears every year.
Besides, there are many "wild" snowmen that are equally delightful.
It is the largest ski resort in China,
where gliding and speeding down the pristine snow slopes
feels like returning to a carefree childhood.
Also visit Zhaolin Park to see the ice lanterns,
and Stalin Park along the Songhua River.
Take a look at the kingdom of snow sculptures...
It's also one of the best cities for food in winter nationwide,
No trip to Harbin is complete without trying Moderner ice cream,
The goose-yellow ice cream bars are perfectly square,
Melting in your mouth with just the right sweetness,
Don't fear the cold—you can devour several at once!
© Tuchong: Huang Weiwei
Shop your way through this natural giant freezer,
Goods are displayed in baskets and sold outdoors;
Thaw frozen persimmons and pears to crack their icy shells,
Releasing bursts of sweet, juicy freshness in your mouth,
Only in Northeast China can you taste the authentic flavor!
This is the star of Harbin's dining tables.
Northeast-style stew—just thinking about it makes your mouth water,
Pork feast, Demoli stewed fish...
Don't miss Russian cuisine in Harbin either,
It's guaranteed to be the most exotic experience.
Salads, pickles, borscht, beef stew in a pot,
Dishes served in orderly succession with full ceremony.
Pair a big loaf of bread with red sausage and a bottle of kvass,
Don't forget to experience the night market barbecue,
Here lies the soul of Harbin people.
A few skewers, a pile of edamame, and some garlic,
Even kids hold big green bottles of "Big White Pear" soda,
Bustling and lively, full of the warmth of human life.
Whether it's exotic charm or Northeastern flavors,
Both make those who haven't been there yearn for it.
When seeing snowfall, whether it's "birds migrating south,"
Harbin remains that hometown one can always return to.
It waits for wanderers to come back and visitors to arrive...