China Travel Guide - Harbin

Author: Editorial Board of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not Available
Features: In the map of China, Heilongjiang resembles a soaring swan, and Harbin is a brilliant pearl beneath its neck. Harbin, also known as the "Ice City" and "Fragrant Flower 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 square kilometers), and a population of 9.46 million (urban area: 3.3 million), it is located in the fertile Songliao Plain along the Songhua River, a renowned summer resort. Harbin is one of China's top ten cities and a magnificent metropolis with unique charm. The beautiful Songhua River winds through the city like a colorful ribbon, while the elegant Sun Island, a shining pearl, 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 graceful allure. The Ice World in Zhaolin Park is enchanting. The Siberian Tiger Park and Zoo attract visitors with a variety of rare animals. Numerous city center parks are elegant and picturesque, captivating tourists from home and abroad. Harbin has 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 oil, coal, and timber resources, Harbin is one of China's important industrial bases. It has a strong scientific and technological sector, with 24 universities and over 300 research institutions, as well as one national-level 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 and Songfeng Mountain scenic areas in the suburbs of Harbin, along with the renowned Yabuli Ski Resort, are excellent destinations for sightseeing and tourism. The International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during the winter further attracts more domestic and international visitors to experience the modern charm of the ice and snow city—Harbin.