Harbin – Harbin has direct jurisdiction over 9 metropolitan districts, 2 county-level cities and 7 counties.

Located 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) northwest of Harbin City, Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) is currently the second largest airport in northeastern China. The airport is currently well equipped to handle 6 million passengers annually and has more than 50 air routes, covering over 40 domestic and overseas cities.  These include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Changsha, Seoul, Osaka, Vladivostok and Los Angeles.

The most convenient way of visiting in and around Harbin is via the extensive bus network with more than one hundred bus routes reaching all parts of the city. Most of the buses are self service, so you have to prepare enough small changes before boarding. 

Harbin subway is China’s first subway system in rigid cold region. It is builed in 2008, the plan was to have ‘9 lines and 1 circle’, measuring 340 kilometers (about 211 miles) long. Line 1, phase 1 of line 2 and line 3 have been completed, forming the mainframe of a ‘+' plus a circle. All the 10 lines are scheduled to be finished in 20 years.

Taking a taxi is the best way to save time in your journey without time limit. Overall, the price of local taxis is a little higher and is according to the logo of the car. Usually, the taxi with a Xiali logo is CNY7 for the first three kilometers (about 1.86 miles). The flag-down rate of a taxi with the Jetta logo is CNY8 for the first three kilometers and CNY1.9 for each additional kilometer.

With little rainfall, the local temperature in spring (March-May) is changeable from month to month. Spring is also the windiest season of the year, accompanied by occasional sandstorms. Visitors have to wear sweaters and cotton-padded jackets, drink enough water and eat more fruit. Lip balm, hand cream and other moistening skin cream are also necessary.

The summer of this city from June to August is not as hot as the other cities of inland China, with plenty of rainfall. It is the rainiest season of the year, but with little storm. The highest temperature is just 23 °C (73 °F) on average, which occurs in July. Thus, it is an ideal place to escape the summer heat. Bring both summer clothes like shorts and skirts, a light overcoat for the morning and evening and an umbrella. 

During the transition from summer to winter, autumn (September to October) in that city has little rainfall and a fluctuating temperature. Meanwhile, the temperature differs a lot between day and night. Long-sleeve T-shirts, long pants and a jacket will be enough in September, but an additional sweater will be needed in middle and late October.

This city in winter (November to February) is the coldest city of China, yet it is also an ideal winter resort. Woollen sweater, trousers, hat, scarf and gloves, down coats and cotton boots become must for a winter trip to that city. Take cold medicine as well for the big temperature difference indoor and outdoor. The beautiful and startling snowy scenery will satisfy your desire without doubt. 

Lie Ba is a kind of large Russian bread. The weight of this round shaped bread can be as much as 2.5 kilograms. Its golden, crack crust and slightly sweet taste will definitely excite your appetite. The breads baked by Qiu Lin Shopping Mall and Huamei Western Food Restaurant are recognized to be the most delicious.

Ranking with Lie Ba as a typical Harbin snack, the Harbin red sausage and air-dried sausage are also regarded in great honor by locals. After enjoying this flavor, do not forget to take some with you as a present to your friends.

St. Sophia Cathedral in Harbin is the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the Far East. In November, 1996, it was listed as one of the Key Cultural Relics under State Protection. Half a year later, the city government repaired it and renamed it as Harbin Art Gallery. It is a respectable landmark for Harbiners and for tourism.

The ice and snow are Harbin's greatest attraction. Multicolored ice lanterns, vivid ice and snow carvings and exciting ice sports will be sure to bring you lots of fun. Ice Lantern Garden Party is the other appealing destination in this city that is equally wonderful as the Ice Lantern Garden Party despite their different characteristics.

Siberian Tiger Park which is adjacent to the Sun Island should be your next destination. The park rears more than five hundred beautiful but endangered purebred Siberian tigers. Vivacious little tigers and fierce fully grown tigers will introduce you to their fascinating world. It will take you about one hour to complete the trip; you will have to take a car to visit most of the viewing spots.