Heilongjiang Province
Harbin
Ice Festival, Russian influence, historic architecture.
★★★★★
Best of China
Harbin Heilongjiang
Harbin

Harbin (哈尔滨, Hā'ěrbīn) is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and a major cultural and economic center in northeastern China. Known as the "Ice City," Harbin is famous for its cold winters and the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, one of the largest and most spectacular winter festivals in the world.

The city's top attraction during winter is the Ice and Snow World, where visitors can marvel at massive ice sculptures, illuminated ice buildings, and participate in winter activities. Another key site is the Saint Sophia Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church that reflects Harbin's rich Russian heritage and serves as a museum of architecture and art.

Harbin's Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) is a bustling pedestrian street lined with European-style buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Sun Island Park, located on the Songhua River, is a popular spot for both summer and winter activities, including boating and snow sports. Harbin's cuisine features Russian and northeastern Chinese influences, with dishes like Harbin sausage, Russian bread, and hearty stews being particularly popular.