Harbin Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Harbin, China with our comprehensive travel guide filled with the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Harbin

Harbin is a city located in the northeastern region of China, in the Heilongjiang province. Known for its Russian architectural influence, winter festivals, and stunning natural scenery, Harbin attracts thousands of tourists each year. There is so much to explore and experience in this vibrant city, from its culture and history to the delicious food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Harbin

From museums and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views, there are a plethora of places to explore in Harbin. Here are some must-visit places in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. St. Sophia Cathedral: This landmark church was built in 1907 and is one of Harbin’s iconic buildings with its unique Orthodox architecture.
  2. Harbin Jewish Holocaust Museum: The museum is a site dedicated to the memory of the Jewish refugees who migrated to China during World War II.
  3. Harbin Museum: The museum houses various collections showcasing the city’s early history, including the Qing dynasty’s rule and the Japanese occupation.

Natural Attractions of Harbin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sun Island: The island is a popular summer vacation spot and offers sights of beautiful scenery and English-style gardens.
  2. Siberian Tiger Park: A place where you can encounter some of the world’s largest felines at a safe distance.
  3. Yabuli Ski Resort: This is the largest ski resort in China, featuring world-class ski runs, snowboarding and other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harbin

Harbin’s incredible landscape attracts people from all over the world to hike and bike on its trails. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Harbin:

  1. Daoli Loop: This 4km trail offers a scenic hike through the city, featuring Harbin’s historic landmarks like the St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street.
  2. Yabuli National Forest Park: The park offers hiking and biking excursions with beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air.
  3. Mudan Peak Scenic Area: This scenic area offers picturesque views of the mountains and forests, along with a more challenging hike.

Best Things to Do in Harbin: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do in Harbin, from exploring its cultural heritage to trekking through its natural landscape. Here are some suggestions to make your trip to Harbin unforgettable:

  1. Harbin Ice and Snow World: A winter wonderland that features amazing sculptures and ice buildings, ice slides, and other fun activities.
  2. Harbin Siberian Tiger Park: where you can get up close and personal with Siberian tigers.
  3. Heilongjiang Rime Island: A natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter featuring a beautiful frosty wonderland.

Week-Long Itinerary for Harbin

If you’re planning to spend a week in Harbin, make sure to check out the following itinerary:

Day 1: Central Avenue
Day 2: Sun Island Scenic Area
Day 3: St. Sophia Cathedral and Harbin Museum
Day 4: Yabuli Ski Resort
Day 5: Harbin Ice Festival
Day 6: Siberian Tiger Park
Day 7: Rime Island Scenic Area

Food and Drink Scene of Harbin

Chinese cuisine is known worldwide for its flavors, spices, and use of unique ingredients. Harbin’s food scene worth exploring for its blend of indigenous and international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Braised Pork with Harbin Beer: This dish is made with fatty pork, cooked with beer to make it more tender and flavorful.
  2. Guobao Rou: A Harbin-style pot roast of beef or lamb ribs.
  3. Harbin Red Sausage: A sausage that is characterized by its smaller size, stronger flavor, and red color.

Local Beverages

  1. Harbin Beer: This beer is originated in Harbin in 1900 and now is widely available across theatres of China.
  2. Suanmeitang: One of the most popular traditional drinks in Harbin, it is essentially a sweet and sour plum sauce that’s mixed with hot water and served as a tea.

Where to Stay in Harbin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Harbin offers various accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some options:

  1. Shangri-La Harbin: Luxury hotel located in downtown Harbin with a picturesque view of the city.
  2. Harbin Green Hotel: Offering comfortable rooms while being centrally located in Harbin.
  3. Jingu Hotel: Located near the Harbin Ice and Snow World, this hotel offers a remarkable view of the city.

What to Buy in Harbin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Harbin is known for its unique crafts, including ice sculptures and fine-art works. Visitors can pick from crafts, clothing, and local products that are a great way to remember your trip to Harbin. The following are some of Harbin’s most popular souvenirs:

  1. Harbin Ice Lanterns: Made of real ice, these beautiful ice sculptures are a must-see attraction in Harbin.
  2. Russian Wooden Dolls: These colorful nesting dolls are a popular souvenir in Harbin, making for an excellent decoration piece for any home.
  3. Fur clothing: Harbin is known for its cold climate, so if you want to stay warm in the winter, it is a good option to shop for fur-lined boots, jackets, and gloves.

Local Culture and Customs of Harbin

Harbin’s local people are culturally unique, and visitors can learn a lot from the locals during their stay in Harbin. Some of the cultural highlights include:

  1. The Ice and Snow Festival: It features performances and displays of ice and snow sculptures with parties across the city.
  2. Russian Influence: Harbin was a hub for Russians, and visitors can see the influence in the architecture, clothing, and traditions.
  3. Wintersports: Harbin is a city that always embraces winter culture. Visitors can enjoy ice fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and winter swimming.

Best Time to Visit Harbin

Harbin is known for its cold weather, and visitors can experience ice and snow festivals at their best in the winter. The best time to visit Harbin is from December to February, with temperatures plummeting below zero degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harbin

Do:

  • Respect local customs in dress and behavior.
  • Drink plenty of water, even in the winter, because of the dry climate.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter and contribute to the cleanliness of the city.
  • Do not disrespect locals and their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Harbin

Harbin is a safe city, but it is always better to take some precautions:

  • Take note of your belongings and keep them safe.
  • Be wary of pickpockets in crowded places.

Health in Harbin

Visitors to Harbin should take note of various health issues:

  • The weather is extremely cold, so make sure to dress in layers.
  • Be careful about what you eat or drink, as street food may not be hygienic.

Getting to Harbin: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are various ways to get around Harbin. Some options are:

Airports Near Harbin

  • Harbin Taiping International Airport
  • Yichun Lindu Airport

Bus Stations Near Harbin

  • Harbin West Bus Station
  • Harbin Beidahuang Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxi and Ride-hailing Services
  • Train: Harbin Railway Station provides rail services through major Chinese cities.

How to Get Around in Harbin

Harbin offers convenient and inexpensive public transportation, including:

  • Bus: The city offers more than 160 bus lines that connect to different parts of the city.
  • Taxi: Taxis are affordable and widely available in Harbin.
  • Bicycle: Some bike rental companies are available for rental, and there are designated lanes in the city.

Where to Go Next from Harbin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra days in your itinerary or want to explore other nearby destinations, here are some options:

  • Changbai Mountain: A beautiful scenic area, located a comfortable drive from Harbin.
  • Jilin City: A city located in the Jilin province famous for its Songhua River and stunning scenery.
  • Yabuli Ski Resort: This beautiful ski resort is about 200 kilometers from Harbin City.

Conclusion

Harbin is a charming city filled with unique cultural highlights, beautiful scenery, and exciting activities for all visitors. Prepare accordingly and plan well to make the most of your time in Harbin.

Harbin International Snow and Ice Festival Harbin International Snow and Ice Festival Harbin Railway Station Harbin Railway Station Harbin's Famous St. Sophia Church Harbin's Famous St. Sophia Church Harbin's Confucius Temple Harbin's Confucius Temple Siberian Tigers watching and waiting Siberian Tigers watching and waiting Songhua River Bridge Songhua River Bridge Harbin's most well known university, Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin's most well known university, Harbin Institute of Technology ''Zhongyang Dajie'', Harbin's main walking and shopping street at night ''Zhongyang Dajie'', Harbin's main walking and shopping street at night A whole family of matryoshka dolls, or Russian dolls A whole family of matryoshka dolls, or Russian dolls Haws, for those with a sweet tooth Haws, for those with a sweet tooth Chunbing pancakes, a northern specialty Chunbing pancakes, a northern specialty Harbin smoked sausages Harbin smoked sausages Ice sculpture of the local brew, ''Harbin Beer'' Ice sculpture of the local brew, ''Harbin Beer''