Harbin (Haerbin)
Fri, 04/02/2010 - 11:08
| Of China's major cities, Harbin (Haerbin) is the northernmost. It is the capital of the northeastern province Heilongjiang, which borders Russia. In fact, the city has a Russian colonial past, as indicated by streets of European architecture style in the older part of Harbin. Snow-covered in winter and cool in summer, the city offers an experience different from those one finds in other Chinese cities. | | | |  | Attractions | Central Avenue (Zhongyang Gongyuan)Zhongyang Dajie (Central Avenue) is a pedestrian street in Harbin that appeals to the tourists with shopping opportunities and historical architecture. Extending south from the bank of the Songhua River for about one mile, the street has its origin in the Russian colonial times at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Lined by hundreds of stores and restaurants, Central Avenue today is a must-see for those who visit Harbin.
Harbin International Snow and Ice Festival (Harbin Guojin Bingxue Jie)This annual festival starts in early January and continues for over a month. During the festival wonderful artworks created out of snow and ice are on display, and numerous other winter-themed celebrations take place, such as ice-lantern shows. The main festival venues are Sun Island, Harbin Snow and Ice World, and Zhaolin Park.
Saint Sophia Cathedral in HarbinOfficially known as the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom of God in Harbin, Saint Sophia Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Christian church in the Far East. Originally constructed in 1907 and rebuilt in 1932, the monumental and historical building is of impressive neo-Byzantine architectural style, measuring 53 meters in height. It is located in central Harbin, half a km east of Central Avenue and one km south of the Songhua River.
Stalin Park (Sidalin Gongyuan)The name of the park may not be very appealing to many people, but it indicates the close connection between the city of Harbin and Russia. The park lies along the bank of the Songhua River and extends 1.7 km in length. It affords nice views of the river that flows by Harbin and provides space for various public activities, skating, dancing, or just pacing under the tree-shadowed paths. A statue that stands at the center of the park is erected for the heroes who contributed to the flood control efforts in the region.
Taiyangdao (Sun Island)Taiyangdao is the scenic area that lies north of the Songhua River. Grassy, sandy and open (it is a park that measures 38 sq. km), Sun Island is a good place to picnic and enjoy sunshine. Located in the park are also Snow and ice Art Gallery, Ice Sculpture Garden, Deer Park, Squirrel Island, and Russian Art Exhibition Hall, and Northern Folk Art Gallery.
Yabuli Ski ResortLocated 200 km east of Harbin, Yabuli is a prime skiing destination in China. The resort can meet the needs of both professional and amateur winter-sports needs, and also have facilities for nice accommodation and entertainment. The best skiing time at Yabuli is from November to March.
Yuquan Hunting Ground (Yuquan Shoulie Chang)Yuquan Hunting Ground is 55 km southeast of Harbin. The park occupies 3,000 hectares of land, where one finds creatures such as deer, yellow antelope, rabbits and blackcock. There are also skiing facilities in the park.
| | | Harbin TransportationAirport:
Harbin Taiping International Airport is 30 km west of Harbin. Means of transportation include shuttle buses and taxis.
Railway Stations:
The main railway station in Harbin Railway Station (Harbin Huoche Zhan), located in central Harbin, off Hongjun Street. Harbin Railway East Station (Harbin Huoche Dong Zhan) is located where Huashujie meets Beikeshu Street and Nankeshu Street.
Long Distance Bus Stations
Nangang Passenger Transportation Station (Nangang Keyun Zhan), next to Harbin Railway Station. Daowai Highway Passenger Transportation Station (Daowai Gonglu Keyun Zhan), Chengde Street. Sankeshu Passenger Transportation Station (Sankeshu Keyun Zhan), No. 1 Huashu Street, next to Harbin Railway East Station.
Taxi:
¥8 for the first 3 km; ¥1.9 for each additional km. | | | | | | | | | |
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