Harbin Travel Guide

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is China's northernmost major city with a population of 10.63 million. It is the political, economic, educational and cultural canter of the province influenced a lot by neighboring Russia. Due to its location near Russia, Harbin plays an important role between Europe and Asia communication.

Harbin is a famous historical and cultural city in China as the birthplace of Jin (1115-1234) and Qing (1644-1911) Empires. The city was established in 19th century when Russia built the Middle East Railway. In later century, many foreigners migrated to Harbin and a lot European style buildings were set up in the city, which still stand in the city today. Thus, Harbin gets the name 'eastern Moscow'.
 

Attractions

Harbin is notable for its beautiful ice sculptures in winter and the ice and snow are Harbin's greatest attraction. The annually Harbin Ice and Snow Festival held between the 5th of January and the end of February attracts people from home and abroad. The ice carving art at Zhaolin Park, and Harbin Ice and Snow World in Sun Island Park are the most famous ones during the festival. Yabuli Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in China with the best facilities.

           Harbin Ice and Snow Festival                                 Santa Sophia Church

Of course, Harbin offers much more than ice and snow. Santa Sophia Church is the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East. The Central Street is an exotic place also the largest and longest pedestrian street in Asia. Jile Temple is one of four famous Buddhist temples in the northeastern three provinces of China. Siberia Tiger Park is the largest wild natural reserve in the world dedicated to the Northeast China Tiger.

More Harbin Attractions>>
Children's Park, Wudalianchi Scenic Area, Dragon Tower
 

Transportation

Harbin enjoys an ideal geographic location and is convenient by all means of transportation to and from the city. It’s worth mentioning that Harbin is only two hours from Beijing by air, or eight hours by bullet train. What's more, it is one of China's gateways into Siberia, Russia and northeast Asia, so Harbin is developed to a major international transportation and business hub for China, Korea, Russia and Japan. More about Harbin Transportation>>
 

Weather

Harbin has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and very cold winters. The city the city is known for its coldest weather and longest winter as the average monthly high in January only reaches -13°C(8°F) and an low at -25°C(-13°F). The annual mean temperature is 4.25°C (39.7°F). Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival takes place in winter. It is the best time to enjoy the area's ice and snow and relative activities. More about Harbin Weather>>
 

Food

Harbin food is influenced by Russia, Korea, Mongolia, Shandong Cuisine and of course Northeast China cuisines. Dishes are usually fumigated, stewed, or pickled in sauce. They have a wide field of selecting materials, and are various in styles. Different lifestyle and customs influence the Harbin local life especially the food very much. So the local cuisine is really abundant and unique. More about Harbin Food>>
 

Restaurants

Restaurants in Harbin provide local special foods as well as western food. The most popular restaurants include: Dongfang Jiaozi Wang (King of Eastern Dumplings), Huamei Western Restaurant, Futai Restaurant, Beilaishun Restaurant, Jiangnanchun Restaurant, Xigema Restaurant and so on. Central Street, Yellow River Road is two main streets for famous restaurants. More about Harbin Restaurants>>
 

Shopping

Harbin is one of the largest commercial cities in Northeast China and also the distribution center for the Sino-Russian trade. As the special geographical location, local specialties and souvenirs can be divided into roughly two categories: Northeastern Chinese specialties and Russian products.

The former one includes Three Treasures of Northeast China, namely Ginseng, pilose antler, and marten and others like smoked salmon, black fungus, mushroom and dried fruits; the latter one contains Da Lie Ba, red sausages, lacquer ware, tinwork, violet gold jewelry, and Russian dolls suite. More about Harbin Shopping>>
 

Nightlife

Harbin offers many recreational facilities such as bars in different styles, tea houses, Karaoke, and cafes. A leisurely stroll along the bustling Central Street is recommended, where you can find nice western restaurants and cafes are as well as good night scene. Do not forget to see the night view of the wonderful ice lantern show in this famous Ice City. More about Harbin Nightlife>>