First tour group arrived at Lhasa on scheduale on April 5th
Often referred to as the "Oriental Moscow" or "Oriental Pairs" for its mix of Western and Chinese cultures, Harbin is one of the major cities in Northeast China.
Located on the banks of the Songhua River, Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province as well as the biggest city in Northeast China. Not only for its special position, but also as the center of Heilongjiang's political, economic, educational and cultural life, Harbin is described as the pearl beneath the swan's neck. What is more, Harbin plays a vital role in communications between South and North Asia as well the regions of Europe and the Pacific Ocean.
Encompassing 53,775 square kilometers with a population of 9.27 million, Harbin is one of the most important industrial cities in China and is the country's largest capital city in terms of area. With a drainage area of 545,600 square kilometers) and the Nen River Plain, the city has more than 13.3 million hectares of arable land and has the largest grain provisions in China. Harbin also has an advanced transportation network including five railways and seven main highways that pass through the city. Convenient transportation by air and water can ease your journeys and ensuring a comfortable way of either getting to or around the city. A large number of star-rated hotels with good services await you here.
The local people have created a very distinctive food culture which reflects Harbin's history and special geographical position. 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.
The city boasts 24 higher education institutes and more than 100 countries and cultivated ties with 11 cities in 9 countries. In 1998, the city was honored as one of the best tourist cities in China. It contains buildings in European-styles and attracts tourists every year for its ice and snow, forest, Jin-dynasty attractions and traditional customs.
Delicious Food in Harbin
The local people have created a very distinctive food culture which reflects Harbin's history and special geographical position. 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.
The flavor snacks have a wide field of selecting material. They are various in styles. They fully display the local customs. They are all loved by people, such as, shredded chicken cooked with bean curd, grilled pork, fried Baozi, rose cake, rice glue ball with various fillings, etc.
There are some subject feasts originally created in Harbin as well, such as, the Flying Dragon Feast, the Ice Snow Feast, the Huang Fish Feast, the Xing'anling Treasure Feast, and the Songhua River Fish Feast.
Shopping in Harbin
Seafood is a popular local specialty and rare fish abound around these parts including dog salmon and sturgeon, which over the years have accustomed to the freezing winter and seem to be thriving! Panax (also more commonly know in the West as ginseng) and pilose antler of a young stag are the basis of rare Chinese traditional medicine and health care products, whereas the fur of the marten is used for clothing; these can all be bought in Harbin at very reasonable prices. Monkey-Head Mushroom is little known in the west, but has long been deemed a delicacy for its curative effects. Sausage is popular with ordinary households, an influence perhaps of the Russian history here. Because Harbin is so very near to Russia, it is not surprising to find some Russian handicrafts here. Russian dolls with their air of charming naivety are among the best souvenirs for your relatives and friends. Other kinds of Russian merchandise are sold in Guogeli Dajie, which is totally Russian in style.
