Located on the bank of Songhua River, Harbin is the capital and largest city of Helongjiang Province, northeastern China. It has a population around 10 millions with half of that at urban districts. Often nicknamed as "Oriental Moscow" or "Oriental Paris" for the erecting Western architecture at downtown, Harbin grew with the arrival of the far-east Railway, constructed by the Russians in the late 19th century. Flooded by White Russian refugees after 1917, Harbin had one of the largest European populations in East Asia. Most of the Europeans left the city following the rise to power of the Chinese Communists in 1946. In the city, you will see quite a few Western style buildings of Gothic, Baroque and Byzantine architectures built by the Russians and other Europeans.

Travelers are faced with frequently cold and inhospitable climates, but comforted by a warm and friendly population, increasing huge and stark skyscrapers, but also winding streets of quaint, colonial architecture, and impressive Siberian Tiger conservation policies that are somewhat offset by hunting grounds where a variety of animals are killed for pleasure. These contradictory scenes continue back in time, so that the history of Harbin is one of turbulence and economic prosperity.

Every year starting from January 5 and lasting for one month, it is the Harbin's Ice and Snow Festiva (since 1985), lots of celebrations will be held during the period. Many tourists from home and abroad come to visit this legendary "Ice City". Now the "Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival" has become one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

In terms of fun, the best sight to visit in the city proper would have to be the Sun Island Park which, besides relaxation, also houses the Siberia Tiger Park, designed to cultivate and then release these beautiful, endangered beasts back to the wild. There is also the Jile Temple, one of the four largest Buddhist temples in northeast China. Out of town are the more active sights, and many coming to Harbin are here for the skiing or hunting. Harbin boasts China's largest and most well-facilitated skiing region, the Yabuli Ski Resort, which hosted the 1996 Asian Winter Games.

Must go Attractions in Harbin.

1. Yabuli Ski Resort - Surrounded by imposing mountain ranges lavishly covered with pine forests, it is currently the largest and facilitated skiing resort in China. Besides the spectacular view, wild animals are also frequent sights on the resort.

2. Sun Island Park - Sun Island in winter is really a fancy world in fairy tales. This natural island is the biggest recreational center in Harbin and as such can be highly popular in the summer months and during Snow Carving Festival.

3. Central Street - The largest and longest pedestrian street in Asia. This long corridor of European architectural art is the pride of every Harbiner. It provides an enthralling destination which abounds with history, attracting tourists from home and abroad.

4. Siberia Tiger Park - It is the largest wild natural reserve in the world dedicated to the Northeast China Tiger and is known as the King of the Forest. In the 1980's, it was listed as one of the first-class national protected animals of China.

5. Wudalianchi Scenic Area - Situated in Wudalianchi City in northwestern Heilongjiang Province, the Wudalianchi Scenic Area is a famous volcanic field and tourist attraction with a unique and typical volcanic landscape.

6. Jile Temple - The Jile Temple is located on the East Straight Avenue of Nangang District, Harbin, Helongjiang Province. It is honored as one of four well-known temples in Northeast China, which the other three temples are Panruo Temple at Changchun, Cien Temple at Shenyang and Lengyan Temple at Yingkou.

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4 Days Harbin Sights & Yabuli Ski Adventure
3 Days Harbin Ice Worldland Tour
4 days Ski Break to Yabuli Ski Resort Tour