Harbin: Eastern Moscow

Author: Zhao Mingdi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: In the map of China, Heilongjiang resembles a soaring swan, and Harbin is a dazzling pearl beneath its neck. Harbin, also known as the "Ice City" and "Fragrant City," is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and the largest political, economic, and cultural center in northern Northeast China. With an area of 53,068 square kilometers (urban area: 1,637), it has a population of 9.46 million (urban area: 3.3 million). Located in the fertile Songliao Plain along the Songhua River, it is a renowned summer resort. Harbin is one of China's top ten cities and a magnificent metropolis with unique characteristics. The beautiful Songhua River winds through the city like a colorful ribbon, while the elegant Sun Island, a sparkling gem, is nestled on the northern bank of the Songhua River. The majestic Flood Control Memorial Hall and the magnificent Workers' Gymnasium, along with other landmarks, add to Harbin's charm. The enchanting Ice World in Zhaolin Park and the Northeast Tiger Park and Zoo, which gather rare birds and animals, are highlights. Numerous city center parks are elegant and picturesque, attracting visitors from home and abroad with their unique charm. Harbin's climate is a temperate continental monsoon climate. It boasts China's largest international airport and inland port in Northeast China, serving as a transportation hub connecting Northeast Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. With a vast hinterland and abundant resources of oil, coal, and timber, it is one of the country's important industrial bases. Harbin has a strong scientific and technological strength, with 24 universities and over 300 research institutions, as well as one national high-tech industrial development zone and one economic and technological development zone. Harbin is also a tourist city famous for its ice and snow and summer resorts. The "Harbin Summer Music Festival" has established its reputation as a musical city. The Erlong Lake, Songfeng Mountain Scenic Area, and the nationally renowned Yabuli Ski Resort in the suburbs of Harbin are excellent destinations for sightseeing and tourism. The International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during the winter is a signature event that attracts more and more domestic and international visitors to experience the modern charm of the ice and snow city—Harbin. Harbin's main local specialties include five-spice liquor, five-spice ginseng, feather paintings, ox horn paintings, embroidery, and sausages, among others.