Cris Ruffolo
17. tammikuuta 2025
I love the location of this hostel. It was just right across the Zhongyang Street subway stop (Line 2). If you go to the Ice and Snow World Park, that's only three stops away for only, if I remember right, RMB 2. Make sure to read/check the other reviews for photos of the gate that will lead you to the door of this hostel. I arrived in the morning, about 10 a.m., and was welcomed by JP. After sorting out my things, I left my luggage to head to the Ice and Snow World Park where I stayed until 5 p.m.
I took the subway back to Zhongyang Street. I planned on walking from there to Saint Sophia Cathedral but it was too cold for me. I live in Beijing but I am originally from the Philippines so even if I was dressed warm - thermal clothes, hot packs, several layers, downjacket, scarves, beanies, ear muffs - it was still brrrr cold!
I took a Didi car from there to the cathedral and spent about 30 minutes there and then went back to the hostel. There was a social night going on downstairs but I was so beat that day I just decided to rest. I briefly interacted with a lady from Singapore named Megan.
The following day, I walked from the hostel to Hongzhuan Morning Market which is a culture of its own. Come hungry and happy! From there, I took a Didi to go to the No. 6 factory of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Co. It is dubbed as the "Louvre of the East" but having visited the Louvre itself, it doesn't really come close. I think the moniker just came from the fact that there are several paintings and art collection in the building and the area outside feels a bit like you're in Europe.
Another Didi ride got me to Lao Daowai or the Chinese Baroque Street then another Didi to Central Street. Don't miss these two as they are filled with worthy buildings and spots to marvel, photograph of or buy trinkets from.
Harbin was the last stop of my northeastern China winter sojourn. Will I come back? Maybe. Will I stay in this hostel? Maybe.
I like the arrangement of the beds in this 16-people dorm for girls but the bathroom is a squat toilet and I don't like that. If I ever stay here again, I will choose the rooms with Western-style toilets.
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