Harbin Travel Guide

Harbin Travel Guide

Harbin Facts

Chinese Name: 哈尔滨 (hā ěr bīn)
Population: 9,515,000
Area: 53,100 square kilometers (20,502 square miles)
Location: in the south of Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China
Administrative Division: 9 districts (Daoli, Nangang, Daowai, Pingfang, Songbei, Xiangfang, Hulan, Acheng, Shuangcheng); 2 city-level counties (Shangzhi, Wuchang); 7 counties (Yilan, Fangzheng, Binxian, Bayan, Mulan, Tonghe, Yanshou)
Area Code: 0451
Zip Code: 150000
GDP (2019): CNY 524.94 billion (USD 76.09 billion)

Ice City with Exotic Buildings

Harbin, as the capital and transportation center of Heilongjiang Province, is the largest city in the north of Northeast China. It is located in the south of Heilongjiang Province, bordering Mudanjiang and Qitaihe to the east, Yichun and Jiamusi to the north, Suihua and Daqing to the west, Changchun of Jilin Province to the south. Harbin is a must-see place when you visit northeast China. The city's rich Russian-style buildings and the beautiful snow sceneries are two important factors to attract tourists. A great number of Russian, Baroque and Byzantine styles buildings are left due to special history and geographical location. In winter, Harbin turned into a breathtaking ice city when the huge ice sculptures scattered in the parks and scenic areas are illuminated by colorful lights. In addition, skating, skiing, snow carriage and other kinds of snow sports are definitely worth experiencing. However, Harbin has more charm than that. All kinds of delicacies including Russian food, Northeast China stew, Harbin sausage and Harbin beer will satisfy your appetites.

You may like:
Top 10 Biggest Cities in China by Area
China Population by City: List of 50 Most Populated Cities

Being the famous 'Ice City', Harbin attracts visitors from home and abroad by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival it helds each year. It is a happy carnival which provides visitors a whole world of ice and snow. The festival usually begins from January and last for over one month. The best collections of ice artworks are mainly exhibited in the following venues:

Ice and Snow World
Sun Island Scenic Area
Zhaolin Park
Ice Lantern Garden Party
Yabuli International Ski Resort
 

Harbin Central Street
Central Street
Harbin Ice and Snow World
Ice and Snow World
Bank of Songhua River in Winter
Bank of Songhua River in Winter

The economy and culture of Harbin achieved unprecedented prosperity at that time and the city gradually grew into a famous international commercial port. Assimilating external culture, the city created its unique and exotic cityscape. The majestic St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street each built in a European style have the effect of bringing you into an 'eastern Moscow'. Even though you are sure to be attracted by various exotic buildings, the Dragon Tower which embodies the wisdom of the Chinese people is a must on your journey.

Besides these rich cultural heritages, this city is favored with beautiful natural scenery. Based on meandering Songhua River and subject to severe low temperatures in winter, the city boasts a unique ice and snow culture. So, it is also called the 'Ice City'. Each winter fantastic sculptures created from snow and ice, ice lanterns and exciting sporting events attract thousands of visitors from home and abroad. The cool summers make the city highly popular as a natural summer resort. It is widely accepted that the Sun Island Scenic Resort is the best choice during a sweltering summer.

Other Scenic Spots:

Harbin Ice Festival Tour: 4 Days city visiting including Sunisland Snow Sculpture, St. Sophia Cathedral, Centre Street, Grand World of Snow, etc
More China Tour Packages
 

 Best Time to Visit Harbin

The local people in Harbin have created a very distinctive food culture which reflects the history and special geographical position of this city. However, under the influence of neighboring Russia, a number of authentic western food restaurants have been established here. This coming together of Chinese and Western flavors will definitely fulfill your appetite.
 

More info:

Shopping & Nightlife


 As of August 1st, 2015, foreign visitors from qualified countries can enjoy the 72 hours visa-free transit policy when transiting in Taiping International Airport.

Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Harbin
10 Best Cities in China for Budget Travelers
8 Interesting Places in China for Outdoor Enthusiasts

- Last updated on Aug. 14, 2024 by Serena Zhou -
Questions & Answers on Harbin Travel
Asked by JJ from SINGAPORE | Oct. 30, 2024 09:24Reply
What shuttle bus to take from Harbin Airport to my QIQI Hotel
Qiqi Hotel (Hasi Wanda Plaza High-speed Railway Station)

No. 235 Beixing Street, No. 11, Building 2, Aida88 Unit, Nan'gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
Answers (1)
Answered by Lori | Oct. 30, 2024 20:47
11Reply


You can take airport shuttle bus line 2 to Harbin West Railway Station, walk northward to Beixing Street and turn right to find the hotel.
Asked by Siriporn from THAILAND | Oct. 16, 2024 00:21Reply
Airport bus service
Hello
I'd like to ask an airport bus for Donglong Hotel Minyi Street, Xiangfang Qu.
What is the bus number, and where is the bus stop near them?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Oct. 16, 2024 19:15
10Reply


There is the airport shuttle express bus line to Harbin Railway Station, then walk eastward for 250m to the crossing, then walk northward to find the hotel.
Asked by sovita chandra from INDONESIA | Aug. 13, 2024 23:35Reply
What public transportation can I use to reach Harbin Institute of Technology from Taiping Airport
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Aug. 14, 2024 19:07
10Reply


You can take airport shuttle bus line 1 to Xinyang Road Anfa Bridge then transfer to bus no. 71 to Fuhua Conmmunity, then you can see the northeast gate on the north.
Asked by Harry from MALAYSIA | Aug. 01, 2024 00:09Reply
Can tourists buy SIM cards upon arrival at Harbin Airport?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lori | Aug. 01, 2024 19:12
00Reply


Sorry, there isn't a service center of SIM card inside the airport. You will need to go to chain stores in the city.
Asked by Lee from MALAYSIA | Jul. 20, 2024 08:36Reply
Harbin to snow town
Hi,
Can I know what train station is nearest to snow town from harbin.

Answers (1)
Answered by Joshua | Jul. 21, 2024 23:38
00Reply


It's Yabuli West Railway Station. You can take a shuttle bus there to the snow town.
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