Situated in the heart of the vast Manchurian plain along the banks of the Songhua River, Harbin is often referred to as the “Ice City.” The capital of Heilongjiang Province, the city boasts numerous captivating attractions, particularly concentrated in the area between the Songhua River to the north and the railway station to the south. Exploring Harbin on foot is recommended, allowing visitors to take in the details and picturesque views. Two notable areas are Daoliqu, stretching north near the Songhua River, and the district encompassed by Zhongshan Dajie, Zhi Jie, and Honglun Jie. Here, shops and markets attract many Russian tourists who have increasingly flocked to Harbin for shopping since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Additionally, Harbin is renowned for its annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, transforming the city into a captivating ice wonderland that draws global visitors to marvel at illuminated ice sculptures and intricate snowy artworks.
