The 4th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) will kick off on Sept. 11 in Vladivostok, Russia. Lying on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and dubbed the "Russia's San Francisco", Vladivostok, also known in Chinese as Haishenwai, has been listed among the 10 most beautiful oceanfront cities in the world by National Geographic.
With beautiful sea views, bays and spectacular mountains, Vladivostok's incredible nature has made it one of the most attractive cities in Russia. It is time to join CGTN and take a glimpse of the real Vladivostok!
Golden Horn Bay
Regarded as a symbol of Vladivostok, the Golden Horn Bay, also known as Zolotoy Rog, is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. This 7km in-length bay is the heart of Vladivostok. There is a Golden Bridge spanning across the bay, which is one of the city's most recognizable sights. Built in preparation for the 2012 APEC Summit, this bridge is now noted as the world's 12th cable-stayed bridge. Many cafes, restaurants and shops rest at the waterfront of the bay where visitors can take in the breathtaking sights. The view is wonderful any time but the night scene is especially fascinating.
Tips: If you want to have a close up view of this renowned and beautiful harbor along the Golden Horn, remember to take the cruise by public boat there! In addition, the private guide is included in the cruise ticket. Normally, the tour duration is 3 hours.
Russky Island Bridge
Known as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Russky Island Bridge in Vladvostok is a well-designed bridge that does not take you too long to drive over. From most parts of Vladivostok, you can easily notice this bridge. The bridge's suspension cables are tri-colored white, red and blue, revealing the Russia's flag. At present, this bridge is noted as the world's longest cable-stayed bridge and has lured more international travelers to come and take photos.
After crossing over the bridge, you'll be greeted with Russky Island. If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this island might be an ideal spot for you.
Primorsky Aquarium
Vladivostok is a mysterious city saturated with sea salt and wind. Therefore, when visiting this city, don't miss the Primorsky Aquarium! Located on the coast of the Sea of Japan on Russky Island, this aquarium is marked as one of the three largest aquariums in the world. Visitors can see large-scaled exhibits featuring theories about the origin of our universe and evolution of the ocean. In addition to that, guests are allowed to meet inhabitants of the Russian water zones.
Tips: Opening hours is from 10:00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m..The aquarium is closed on Mondays. Wednesdays are reserved for school groups (except for the summer period: from June 1 to August 31, the Primorsky Aquarium is open on Wednesdays for all visitors).
Tokarev Lighthouse
Lying on a rocky Tokarevsky Spit, the Tokarev Lighthouse is considered as a vantage point which has witnessed the city's enormous change from the past to the present. Built in 1876, the Tokarev Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the Russian Far East. It served as the shooting site for the recently popular Chinese film "Soulmate", the lighthouse has been gradually known to the world. Traditionally, many people finalize their journey here with the saying that it is a symbolic place where "all the roads end".
Tips: We suggest travelers to come in the summer time as it is an ideal place for recreation. Besides, many couples often take their wedding photos here thanks to the great sea views surrounding the lighthouse.
Travel Information
Chinese citizens can apply for a free electronic visa, which could be allowed to stay in Vladivostok for up to 8 days. You can apply for an e-visa anytime within the 4 to 20-day period before the intended day of entry. To apply for an e-visa, you do not need to provide any hotel booking confirmations or invitations.
What is worth noticing is that the e-visa permits you to stay only within the region you entered from. That means if you enter Vladivostok, you can travel around Vladivostok and Primorye only. To continue travelling across the rest of Russia, you need a regular Russian visa.
Make sure to adjust the time when traveling to Vladivostok as there's a three-hour time difference between Vladivostok and Beijing.
Vladivostok has an intermediate position between Trans-Siberian railway and seaways in the Pacific Ocean, which makes it a significant cargo and passenger port for goods imported from China, Japan and South Korea. Today Vladivostok is a charming city that lets you go, but never lets you forget.
