Harbin, the ice and snow world
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, is the political, economic, cultural and transportation center.
Harbin has a long history and a city never has city wall. The best time to visit Harbin is from December to next January. During this time, travelers will enjoy full eyes of the scenery packed with snow and ice, totally different from that in south China.Additionally, the period from July to September in Harbin is an ideal summer resort as the temperature is neither too cold nor too hot. Harbin has good reputations as oriental Paris and Oriental Moscow. The architectures in downtown combine with Chinese and western styles with distinct patterns, such as some famous scenic spots, like magnificent St. Sophia Cathedral, mysterious Nikolaikirche, Russian style wooden houses, unique Gothic buildings, European Central Avenue and so on.
What worthies mentioning is yearly Ice & Snow Festival here. The festival generally opens on Jan 5thand lasts for about a month. This is the first festival mainly contents baseson ice and snow. Travelers will enjoy winter swimming competition, ice lanterns, snow sculptures, and other activities during the festival. Ice Lantern and Snow Sculpture have become one of the exotic works in world ice and snow art.
In Harbin, travelers can also spend one or two days for skiing. There are two places for skiing, Yabuli Resort and Changshoushan Mountain. If you are professional skiers, Yabuli can’t be missed. There are complete facilities inYabuli, including 18 elementary, middle and senior ski slopes. It provides 5 km cross-country road, snowmobile, sledge, international standard jumping platform, shooting range, inner stadium, etc. If you just want to have an experience for skiing, Changshoushan Mountainsis elementary skiing place. It’s nearer than Yabuli from Harbin. Travelers can spend only one day to experience skiing.
There are many ways to go to Harbin.Travelers can take a flight from other cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou,Chengdu, Chongqing,etc. And there is also bullet train from Beiing & Dalian to Harbin.
Tips for travelingin Harbin inwinter:
Harbin is not as cold as imagine. But keeping warm is necessary.
1 Bring down feather and woolen clothes or buy them locally. Hats, scarf and gloves are necessity.
2 Temperature difference of outdoor and indoor is large so cold medicine should be prepared.
3 Lip protector and moisturizer are necessary because the weather is dry and cold.
4 Take care of warm-keeping to camera.
Day 1Arrive at Harbin. Free in theevening.
Day 2 Visit Sun Island Park and Snow Sculpture, SiberianTiger Park, Church of St. Sofia, and Central Avenue.
Day 3 Visit Provincial Museum,Temple of Jile, Confucius Temple, exterior visit to Dragon Tower and St. Alexeevsky Church. After dinner, you will visit Ice & Snow World to visit ice & snow sculptures and buildings.
Day 4 Go to Yabuli Resport and exprience skiing.
Day 5 Visit the Pole Aquarium, watch the activities on Songhuajiang Riverand visit the New Synagogue.
Day 6 Depart Harbin.
