Vladivostok, Russia Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zlat%C3%BD_roh.jpg Author: Ondrej Zvacek
Vladivostok (Russian: Владивосто́к, Chinese: 海參崴, South Korean: 블라디보스토크, North Korean: 울라지보스또크, Japanese: ウラジオストク, map) is the main Russian seaport on the Pacific Ocean. Located near the border with China and North Korea, it covers 600 sq km (230 sq mi) and has a population of 592,000 (2011 estimate).
Cesarevitch Nikolay Triumphal Arch, Vladivostok Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Triumphal_arch_Cesarevitch_Nikolay.jpg Author: Russian.dissident
Due to its geographical location, the area where Vladivostok is now situated has been the territory of various powers including the Mohe, Bohai Kingdom, Jin Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty and other dynasties of China. The modern city was founded as a naval outpost in 1859 by Count Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky.
Vladivostok was one of the closed cities during the Soviet Union, when it was off limits to foreigners. Today it is open to all and welcome the influx of private businesses and foreign investments. The city will host the 24th APEC summit in 2012, and is gearing up for the occasion with a number of mega-infrastructure projects, including the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, when completed.
Vladivostok experiences a humid continental climate. The summers are warm while the winters are extremely cold. August in the warmest month, with high temperature regularly touching 23.3°C (73.9°F). It is also the wettest month, receiving 153 mm (6 in) of rain. Coldest month is January, when the average low temperature drops to -17.1°C (1.2°F). Temperature in Vladivostok is often below 0°C from November until March.
Today commercial fishing is the mainstay of the economy of Vladivostok, supplemented by other industries such as shipping and the naval base.
Vladivostok Railway Station Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VladivostokStation.jpg Author: Vfp15
Visiting Vladivostok
The Vladivostok International Airport is 44 km north of downtown. Its domestic terminal underwent a complete facelift in 2006, making it one of the most modern airport terminals in Russia. The airport gets flights from Moscow, St Petersburg, Bangkok, Beijing, Busan, Dalian, Hanoi, Harbin, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo, among others.
There are public buses and local buses from the airport to the city. But if you arrive in the wee hours, then your only choice are the taxis. These you need to bargain hard or else you will be 2,500 rubles poorer. The usual taxi fare from airport to downtown is around 1000 rubles.
The alternative to flying is to take the Trans-Siberian Railway, from Moscow, Beijing or Ulaan Baator. There are also trains from Harbin.
Sights & Attractions in Vladivostok
Arsenev Regional Museum Museum recounting the history of Vladivostok. It hosts a disparate collection ranging from stuffed Siberian tiger to old photographs.
Bortsov Revolutsii A popular hang-out for the locals
Popov Island Island with some good beaches and guesthouses.
Russky Island Once a heavily fortified island to keep armed intruders at bay, Russky Island is now invaded by tourists armed with cameras.
Vladivostok Fortress Museum Museum housed in the fort that was used from 1882 until 1923. How the cannons are for show only.
Vladivostok Funicular Train For one of something better to do, take the funicular train up the hill for scenic views of Vladivostok and the Golden Horn Bay.
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