The widest selection of both local and foreign goods in the province is available in the capital city Harbin, although in comparison to cities in the south of Dongbei, the choice here is fairly limited.

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.

The Russian influence is of course, visible in both food and local produce. Many Russians, even today, visit the area to pick up leather hats, overcoats and shoes. For those with Western faces, pretty rare in these parts, don´t be surprised if most people automatically assume you are from the north!