Travel through time and space, and meet the epic whispers of St. Sophia in Russia's oldest city

🌟City Sketch "This is not Moscow, but it hides the soul of Russia." When you step on the cobblestone road of Veliky Novgorod, it is as if you are touching the pulse of East Slavic civilization. This ancient city, founded in 859, is the "mother of all cities" in Russia, and even St. Petersburg calls it "predecessor." St. Sophia Cathedral, a building 400 years older than the Moscow Kremlin, silently tells the glory of the Rurik dynasty a thousand years ago with its mottled white walls and golden domes. 🏰[Must-visit] Four epic scenes through time and space ❶ St. Sophia Cathedral: Russia's oldest "fortress of faith" Shock point: The design of few windows and thick walls makes it look like a medieval castle, and the onion-shaped golden dome added in the 14th century shines in the snow. Push open the bronze door (said to bring good luck!), and the remaining 11th-century fresco "The Last Judgment" inside will take your breath away - under the mottled paint, the battle between angels and demons is still thrilling across the millennium. Hidden location: The top floor of the bell tower on the west side of the church! Spend 100 rubles to climb to the top and overlook the spectacular view of the Volkhov River dividing the ancient city in two, and remember to use a wide-angle lens to capture the reflection of the Kremlin on the river. ❷ Millennium Monument: A three-dimensional Russian history book A 16-meter-high bronze sculpture group, from the Viking leader Rurik to Peter the Great, 127 historical figures are frozen into an epic scroll. Secret㊙️: Go around to the back to find the "Mother of Russia" statue, the cross in her hand is facing the golden dome of St. Sophia, and the interplay of light and shadow at dusk is like a miracle. ❸ Wooden Architecture Museum: Magic without a single nail The open-air museum on the shores of Lake Ilmen houses 22 wooden structures from the 16th century, and the 22-story wooden shingle dome of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin is a "Lego" in the architectural world. It is recommended to wear non-slip boots in winter! The snow-covered wooden walkway will take you into the fairy tale scene of "The Snow Queen," and you may encounter an old craftsman in traditional clothing demonstrating ancient woodworking techniques, and you can even make a small matryoshka doll yourself. ❹ Yaroslav Manor Ruins: A legend of merchants in the ruins Cross the Love Lock Bridge, and the most prosperous trading area in the Middle Ages is now only ruins. It is recommended to bring a copy of "The Chronicle of Ancient Rus," sit under the 18th-century arcade and read the chapter on the "Hanseatic League," and the sound of the wind passing over the Volkhov River will turn into the camel bells of the caravan. 🎒Local people taught me hidden ways to play Early bird privilege: Rush into the Kremlin at 7 o'clock! The Sophia Church in the morning mist is empty, and the old man guarding the tomb will quietly show you the wishing coins thrown by tourists in the eternal flame (it is said that finding one can make your wish come true). Sunset ceremony by the river: Arrive at the Love Lock Bridge at 4 p.m., rent an old-fashioned copper lock for 10 rubles and engrave your name on it. Local couples say, "The locked time will be taken by the river god to Lake Ilmen and eternally sealed." Mysterious souvenirs: Find a replica of the "Birch Bark Letter" at the market! 800 years ago, the people of Novgorod carved love letters on birch bark with the tip of a knife, which is more artistic than a postcard. ⚡️2025 Latest Practical Guide 🚌Transportation: There are 5 high-speed trains from Moscow every day (4 hours direct), it is recommended to choose the right seat, and you will see the blue ice wonder of Lake Ilmen on the way. 🏨Accommodation: Highly recommend Tikhiy Dvorik B&B next to the Kremlin! 170 yuan/night for a Russian-style wooden house with underfloor heating, and the honey ginger tea from the landlady can dispel the Siberian cold. 🍴Food: The "Old Mill" restaurant by the river is a must-try "Pomorka" - a thick soup made with Ilmen Lake salmon and wild berries, the sour and spicy taste will change your perception of Russian cuisine! ❄️Winter Travel TIP December to February is the off-season but breathtakingly beautiful! At -15°C, St. Sophia Cathedral will start the "aurora mode" - after the snow night lights are turned on, the golden dome and snow reflect a green halo (a magical moment hidden by the locals). Remember to bring touchscreen gloves, as Apple phones are prone to shutting down in low temperatures! 📮"We will eventually grow old, but Novgorod will always be young." In this ancient city favored by time, even breathing carries the weight of history.