Harbin
Discover Harbin
Harbin (哈尔滨 Hā'ěrbīn) is the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China. The city is notable for its Russian influence and the yearly Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, giving it the unofficial title Ice City. Harbin is China's northernmost major city, with a population in excess of 10 million, and over 4 million in the city center alone. The city has been influenced a lot by neighboring Russia, in particular after the October Revolution of 1917, when the Russians of the White movement that supported the deposed czar escaped the country after the communist takeover, many of whom settled in Harbin. Although most of these Russians were deported back to Russia during the Soviet occupation of Harbin at the end of World War II, or fled following the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, the Russian influence remains clearly visible in the building styles and foods. As a significant minority of these White Russians were Jewish, Harbin also has much Jewish heritage to explore.
What to Experience in Harbin
Taste of Harbin...
If there is one thing special about Harbin, it has to be the food. Taking influences from Russia, Mongolia, Korea and of course China, the food in Harbin is much "heartier" than you can find anywhere in China, and stews and other duncai are popular dishes. Because the winters are long here you'll find fewer exotic ingredients and heavy use of vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, cucumber and corn. Chinese BBQ or shaokao and Hot Pot is also equally popular in Harbin and is a must eat once you get into town. One thing you will notice is that Dongbei people love to eat, and it's not just for the food, but for getting all their friends together at one table and drinking/eating the night away. Thus this city is dominated by restaurants with large tables that seat groups of people. Besides small food stalls, only near the Universities and busy shopping areas will you find cozy little restaurants. In Harbin, liveliness (renao) attracts customers as much as the food; some restaurants are so loud you may need earplugs! Harbin is also known among the Chinese for its Russian food, though it is often significantly localised and may not be the same as what Russian visitors would be used to back home. Just because Harbin is below freezing a good amount of the year, doesn't mean it's devoid of nightlife. In fact, Harbin is one of the "rowdier" cities in China. Just don't expect Shanghai or even Beijing "quality" establishments.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Harbin into what it is today.
Harbin's history of human habitation can be traced back to at least the Neolithic period, but until the Five Dynasties era, it remained a largely quiet and undeveloped land, falling under the jurisdiction of the Fuyu Kingdom and the Bohai Kingdom successively. During the Five Dynasties period, the Harbin region became part of the Liao dynasty's Dongjingdao (Eastern Capital Circuit). In 1114, the Jurchen leader Wanyan Aguda led a revolt against the Liao dynasty and proclaimed himself emperor in 1115, establishing the Jin dynasty with the era name "Shouguo." The capital was set in Huining Prefecture (Shangjing Huining Prefecture of Jin), and Harbin became part of the capital's surrounding area. Around the founding of the Jin dynasty, Harbin experienced unprecedented social and economic development. Its residents were primarily concentrated along the banks of the Hejia, Majia, and Ashi Rivers. Several ancient city sites from this period include Wanbao Ancient City (north of Houchengzi Village, Wanbao Town, Songbei District), Songshan Ancient City (west of Songshan Village, Taiping Town, Daoli District), Pingle Ancient City (west of Zhenghuang Santun, Pingxin Township, Pingfang District), Sifangtai Ancient City (south of Sifangtai Village, Qunli Township, Daoli District), and Molijie Ancient City (east of Moli Village, Xingfu Township, Xiangfang District). These cities remained prosperous through the Yuan and Ming dynasties....
Location & Landscape
Located in northeastern China, in the southern part of Heilongjiang Province, and on the southeastern edge of the Songnen Plain, Harbin lies on the southern bank of the middle reaches of the Songhua River. Harbin serves not only as a critical node of the "T-shaped" railway system (the China Eastern Railway) but also as a geographical "crossing point." A crossing point refers to a location where land-based transportation routes must cross a river via bridges or ferries, often becoming hubs for population and goods movement, making them favorable sites for urban development. Historically, two cities exemplify development due to crossing points: London, thriving because of the Thames River, and Harbin, flourishing due to the China Eastern Railway. Additionally, because it is situated on the slender "neck" of Heilongjiang Province—whose shape resembles a swan—it is also called the "Pearl City beneath the Swan's Neck.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Harbin.
By far Harbin's biggest claim to fame, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (哈尔滨国际冰雪节 Hā'ěrbīn Guójì Bīngxuě Jié) is held every year, running from early January until warm weather erodes the constructions (exact dates vary). Throughout the city you will find small ice and snow sculptures during the festival, however there are three major sites with large ice and snow sculptures on display. The major sites for the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival include: For foreigners, pretty much the only employment is teaching English. There are positions at public and private schools. If you are in the city and don't already have employment, check out the bulletin board at Hamama's Kofi House. Harbin is the center for higher education in Northeast China, and has several leading universities, with the most famous being Harbin Institute of Technology. The universities make up a large portion of the cities economy and employ a large part of the population.
Climate
Harbin is known for its very cold winters: in January, temperatures average -24 °C to −12 °C. Bring more clothes than you will think you will need so that you can layer. Winter can become dreary if you are a long-term resident, as the entire city uses coal for heat; air quality rapidly decreases during these months. But it's not as bad as Beijing, many locals wear their masks not for the pollution, but for the ice-cold wind and the frosty temperatures to heat up the air they breathe. Harbin can be a great place to visit in the summer, with daytime temperatures normally in the upper 20s °C. Compared with most places in China, the weather is cool and it seems to be perpetually breezy, and most of the city's streets are lined with trees. Because the city is so cold all winter, life almost explodes and people crowd the streets until late at night eating kabobs, playing poker, and drinking Harbin Beer (哈啤 Hapi). This is a great escape from the heat of Beijing.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple Options45.6194126.23451 Harbin Taiping International Airport (哈尔滨太平国际机场 Hā'ěrbīn Tàipíng Guójì Jīchǎng, HRB ). Harbin's sole airport and one of the main international airports of Northeast China. The airport is 37 km from the city centre near the town of Taiping. Flights from the airport serve dozens of domestic destinations along with a small but growing list of international destinations in Russia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.The airport is small, but there are a few restaurants and snack bars selling local delicacies, Chinese and western food, and a nearby hotel if you happen to get stranded. If you are flying out of Harbin most ticket agencies can arrange transportation to be included in the cost of the ticket. Another option is to take a taxi, which costs around ¥100-130. Always negotiate this price before the ride, though. Drivers will make their meters read more for the ride otherwise or try to get you to pay for the highway ticket in addition....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Taxis are inexpensive and convenient. However, always ask them to run the meter (请打表 qǐng dǎ biǎo) instead of attempting to negotiate a price in order avoid possible conflicts. Flag fall is ¥8 and covers the first 3 km of travel. After that, the rate is ¥1 per 500 m. There is also a charge levied based on the time the car is stationary (i.e. stuck in traffic), but this is usually only of significance in truly awful, gridlocked traffic conditions. At the end of the journey, a ¥1 fuel surcharge will be added to the amount displayed on the meter. If you wish to have a receipt, say to the driver (请发票 qǐng fā piào). Taxi drivers in Harbin are known to be reckless—running red lights, driving into oncoming traffic, etc.
Where to Stay
Almost every bath house in the city has a large room with 50-100 plush beds where you can spend up to 24 hours. You can also lock your belongings in a locker and use their shower facilities, most of them have an 'all you can eat' buffet as well. Total around ¥50 which just can't be beat. Look for signs that say 洗浴 and make sure its fairly big as the smaller ones will not provide these types of services. When you come in pack light as to not look suspicious. This is not recommended for inexperienced travelers and it is highly unlikely any of the service staff will speak English. While it is unlikely that you will be a victim of a crime, as in any large city be vigilant about your personal property, exercise care if you find yourself on a lightly traveled street, and always be aware of your surroundings. Most trouble that people run into in Harbin revolves around drinking at the clubs. Harbin is famous in China for being a "rough" city, and locals pride themselves on their machismo.
Money & Budget
Most ATMs around the city work with international cards, such as the Bank of China and the China Merchants Bank. If there is one thing special about Harbin, it has to be the food. Taking influences from Russia, Mongolia, Korea and of course China, the food in Harbin is much "heartier" than you can find anywhere in China, and stews and other duncai are popular dishes. Because the winters are long here you'll find fewer exotic ingredients and heavy use of vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, cucumber and corn. Chinese BBQ or shaokao and Hot Pot is also equally popular in Harbin and is a must eat once you get into town.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
While it is unlikely that you will be a victim of a crime, as in any large city be vigilant about your personal property, exercise care if you find yourself on a lightly traveled street, and always be aware of your surroundings. Most trouble that people run into in Harbin revolves around drinking at the clubs. Harbin is famous in China for being a "rough" city, and locals pride themselves on their machismo. Fights are common on the weekends and while this may not directly involve you, it's best to leave at the first signs of conflict. Don't expect bar security to come to your rescue. Remember these three telephone numbers. They are valid on most of the Chinese mainland. The city is littered with net bars (网吧 wangba) that are usually very cheap and do not require I.D at the door like the ones in Beijing. The biggest Internet cafes are near the universities like Harbin Institute of Technology and Hei Da.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Harbin
a group of people standing around an ice sculpture
Ice Fort
Castle of Ice
A large building with a green dome on top of it
圣索菲亚教堂
lighted cathedral during night time
a city street filled with lots of traffic
the sun is setting over the water under a bridge
Harbin Opera House
bridge over frozen river harbin china
a group of people standing around an ice sculpture
Ice Fort
Castle of Ice