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Harbin
Brief Introduction
Often referred to as the"Oriental Moscow" for its mix of western and Chinese culture, Harbin is one of the major cities in Northeast China. The city is famous for its moderate weather in summer and its wonderland of ice and snow in winter. Its bone-chilling winter makes it one of the best ski resorts in China, the Yabuli Ski Resort. Harbin is the terminus for the international railway, the Tran-Siberian Railway. Visitors will also find the Sun Island, Siberia Tigers Park, Ice Festival and Chinese-Russian Market in Harbin.
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Shopping and Food
Because Harbin is near to Russia, it is not surprising to find some Russian handicrafts here. Russian dolls with their air of charming naivety are among the best souvenirs for your relatives and friends.
The harsh and extreme temperatures that dominate Heilongjiang mean that it is difficult to grow many products, and the land here, while rich in mineral resources is not idea for crops. Seafood is an exception however, and some species of fish and vegetable (including the strangely named dog salmon and Monkey-Head Mushroom) are very popular.
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Entertainment
Although night is much colder than daytime in Harbin, the locals enjoy their rich and colorful nightlife just the same. Walk in the street and enjoy the Ice Lantern is a best choice. At night the sculpture are illuminated from the inside with coloured lights, turn the place into a temporary fantast-land.
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Transportation
By Air:
Harbin is the provincial capital of Heilongjiang and is the starting point for any travelers in the province. Harbin Taipin International Airport is the second largest airport in the northeast, with connections to most major cities in China, and also some destinations in Russia, Korea and Japan. For detailed information about transport, please refer to Harbin Transport. There are an additional three airports in Heilongjiang, namely Qiqihar, Mudanjiang and Jiamusi, with flights to some of the major cities across the country.
By Train:
Harbin has two railway stations; Harbin Railway Station, located at No.1, Tielu Jie, Nangang District was originally Songjiang Railway Station, and was built by the USSR, it now plays a vital role as a transfer station. The other is the Harbin Eastern Railway Station which is the terminus for trains both departing, and arriving in Harbin. Here, you can take trains to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Jinan, etc.
By Bus:
There are currently seven highways in Heilongjiang, although the majority of roads here are in very poor condition and train is by far the most comfortable way to travel, wherever possible. An expressway links Daqing, Harbin, Mudanjian, and Suifenhe. By the year 2001, expressways should link Harbin to Beijing.
Tourist Attractions
St. Sofia Orthodox Church
The St.Sofia Orthodox Church is the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East. It is a perfect example of Byzantine architecture with a height of 53m. . Under the bright sun, the church, together with the square around it, reminds the Chinese, bizarrely, of the Red Square in Moscow. Now it serves as an architectural art museum run by the provincial government.
The Central Street
Originally built in 1898, Center Street is the most prosperous street in Harbin. It is also an architecture art gallery including the most influential four architecture schools in western-style architectural history, such as Baroque, Eclecticism and so on. Central Street is 1.450 meters in length and 21.34 meters in width of which 10.8 meters is motor way.
The Northeast Tiger Park
The Northeast Tiger Park in Harbin protects more than five hundred endangered purebred Siberian tigers. It is the largest wild natural park for the northeast tiger in the world. You can take a special vehicle into the area where you can closely watch the tigers, what's more exciting, there is a series of animals you can choose to feed tigers. The scene is unique in the world.
Harbin Ice Lantern
Fanciful sculpture are made in the shapes of animals, plants, buildings etc. Some of the larger ones have included a crystalline ice bridge. At night the sculpture are illuminated from the inside with coloured lights, turn the place into a temporary fantast-land.
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Yabuli Ski Resort
Yabuli Ski Resort is the biggest and best ski resort in China. The resort provides great skiing with high mountains and good snow. Local skiers enjoy the high elevation and the fact that the snow is neither too hard nor too powdery.Yabuli Ski Resort is the biggest training centre for alpine skiers and the mountain hosts of many professional skiing competitions. In 1996 the 3rd Winter Asian Games was held here along with numerous the National Winter Games and other national and provincial competitions.
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