Things To Do
in Harbin
Harbin, known as the 'Ice City', is the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. It is famous for its beautiful winter scenery, especially during the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. The city's unique blend of Russian and Chinese architecture gives it a distinctive cultural atmosphere.
Additionally, Harbin is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse food scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Harbin Central Street, a historic pedestrian street lined with European-style buildings and shops. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
Visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral, an iconic Russian Orthodox church that showcases stunning Byzantine architecture. Follow this with a trip to the Harbin Ice Lantern Garden Party, where you can admire beautiful ice sculptures.
Dine at a local restaurant serving authentic Harbin dishes, and then take a stroll along the Songhua River to enjoy the nighttime views of the city.
Head to the Siberian Tiger Park to see these majestic animals up close in a natural habitat setting. It's an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.
After lunch, explore the Harbin Polarland, where you can see polar animals and enjoy entertaining shows. Don't miss the ice-themed exhibits.
Finish your trip with a visit to the Harbin Ice and Snow World, where you can marvel at the grand ice sculptures and enjoy various winter activities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Bowl of noodles | $2 |
| 🥟Dumplings | $4 |
| 🍺Local beer | $1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $3 |
| 🚇Metro ticket | $0.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique cultural blend of Russian and Chinese influences.
- Stunning winter festivals and ice sculptures.
- Delicious and diverse culinary options.
- Extreme cold in winter may deter some visitors.
- Language barrier can be challenging for non-Mandarin speakers.
- Air quality issues during certain times of the year.
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- "我不懂" - I don't understand
- "帮我一下" - Help me, please
Places to Visit in Harbin
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning architectural marvel, perfect for capturing both the exterior and interior beauty.
A magical night scene filled with colorful ice sculptures, perfect for nighttime photography.
Offers beautiful views, especially during sunset, making it an ideal spot for landscape photography.
Food in Harbin
Harbin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous local delicacy, these sausages are often smoked and seasoned with a variety of spices.
Must-Try!
A refreshing dish made with thin noodles served cold with a sweet sauce, perfect for summer.
These crispy cakes made from potatoes are a popular street food item.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find various street snacks such as grilled meats and sweet treats.
Street vendors around the cathedral offer a range of snacks, including roasted chestnuts and ice cream.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always show respect to elderly individuals, offering them your seat on public transport.
When dining, it's polite to wait for the host to start the meal before you begin.
Maintain a moderate volume when speaking in public and avoid excessive displays of affection.
Safety
Tipping in Harbin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in China, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated, especially in tourist areas.
Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Cash is still accepted, but it's advisable to have a mobile payment option.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. The Ice and Snow Festival is a highlight.
Temperatures start to warm up, and flowers bloom, making it a beautiful time to explore the parks.
Warm weather is prevalent, perfect for outdoor activities, but be prepared for occasional rain.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage create stunning landscapes, ideal for photography.
Harbin at Night
Hiking in Harbin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers various hiking trails that are well-marked and provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Features scenic paths along the Songhua River, perfect for leisurely walks and exploration.
Airports
How to reach Harbin by plane.
Located about 37 kilometers from the city center, this airport serves as the main gateway for domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Harbin, comprising a vast portion of the population.
Harbin has a notable Russian community due to its historical ties, contributing to the city's unique cultural blend.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is popular in Harbin, with many local teams and fans passionately supporting their clubs.
Skiing is a favored winter sport, with several resorts nearby offering facilities for skiing and snowboarding.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harbin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to ask about the ingredients as some may contain meat-based sauces.
Halal restaurants are available in Harbin, particularly in areas with a significant Muslim population.