Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, is located in the east of Songnen Plain
and lying on the right bank of Songhua River. But also it is the center of Heilongjiang's
political, economic, educational and cultural life. Special historical process and location
makes Harbin an exotic city. Harbin is a blend of history and culture of northern ethnic
minorities, and the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. It is China's famous
historical and cultural city and tourist city, with a reputation of "Ice City", "the pearl
beneath the swan's neck", and "Oriental Moscow".
Being famous both home and abroad, the Sun Island Scenic Area lies on the north bank of the
Songhua River, Covering an area of 3,800 hectares (9,390 acres). This dainty area, surrounded
by blue water, boasts crystal lakes, wooden rockeries, beautiful flowers and exotic buildings.
In summer, the comfortable weather makes it the first choice to avoid summer heat, and in winter,
the spot is a paradise for ice-snow travel. Every year, the Harbin International Snow Sculpture
Art Expo held here exhibits enthralling ice or snow sculptures and architectures, attracting
thousands of visitors，from home and abroad.
Harbin Ice-carving Museum was the largest indoor ice and snow sculpture gallery in the world.
It was built by the provincial government and open to the public in June 2001. The gallery is
seven meters high and covering 5,000 square meters. There are more than 100 beautiful ice and
snow sculptures in the gallery and created by many excellent ice and snow artists in the
province. The temperature is around 5 to 10 degrees below zero centigrade.
Known as the 'Eastern Moscow', Harbin has always been regarded as a unique and exotic city.
The most exotic place in Harbin is Central Street. As a new comer to Harbin without any idea
of where to go, be sure to start your journey at 'Central Street'. This long corridor of European
architectural art is the pride of every Harbin.
The construction of the Central Street began in 1898. Nowadays, with a total length of 1,450 meters
(1,586 yards), the Central Street reflects a variety of European style buildings. In total, there are
71 works. Examples of the Renaissance through to the Baroque Period can be seen in 13 of these buildings.
The present Jiaoyu Bookstore (Education Bookstore) is the biggest form of Baroque architecture in Harbin
and also the mark of the Central Street. As one of the longest pedestrian streets in Asia, whenever
visitors come there, it will open up to them its charming vistas with its profound culture. It has
been a comprehensive recreational place combining tourist pleasure with shopping excitement.
