🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 179 (from laksa004)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa179.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm","crawl_time":1775306450,"first_indexed_time":1501924346,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,chinahighlights!www,\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm s443","src_root_hash":"2290986613579731179","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Harbin (Ice City in China): Ice Festival, Attractions, History, Weather","meta_descriptions":["Get the important Harbin facts covering Harbin’s location, Ice and Snow Festival, tourism, history, climate, population, languages, transport, etc."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Harbin is the capital\nof Heilongjiang province. Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport.\nHarbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called \"\nthe Ice City\n\", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival.\nContent Preview\nIce and Snow Festival\nTourism\nHistory\nWeather\nTransportation\nGeography\nLocation\nEducation\n1. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival\nFeaturing long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination.\nHarbin has become world-famous for having the largest\nice and snow festival\n.\nThe opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year\n. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin.\nThe most popular place is the\nHarbin Ice and Snow World\n, which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world.\nThere are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on\nSun Island\nand an ice lantern show in\nZhaolin Park\n.\n2. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin\nHarbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers\nYabuli Ski Resort\nand Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more:\nArchitecture and sightseeing\n: Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park\nMost popular souvenirs and local products\n: ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls\nMost popular local food\n: Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews).\nRecommended\nways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China:\n1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour\n5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour\n5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour\n3. The History of Harbin\nThe city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy.\nOnce a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence\n.\nFor historical reasons, Harbin is also known\nas:\nOriental Moscow\n(due to Russian influence)\nNoah's Ark in the Far East\n(due to Jewish history)\nJapanese Auschwitz\n(due to the Japanese influence!)\n1) \"Oriental Moscow\" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence\nFrom a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains \"\na city without walls\n\".\nIn 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are\nvarious types of architecture\nwith different national styles and characteristics.\nThe combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin.\nOld Quarter,\nSt. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe.\nContact us for an Oriental Moscow trip\n.\n2) \"Noah's Ark in the Far East\" — Haven of Jews\nLike Shanghai,\nHarbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews\n. In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination.\nHarbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia\n, and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society.\nNow, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin.\nIn addition, there is a\nJewish cemetery\nin Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation.\nThere are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin.\n3) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731\nUnit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans.\nYou can know more by visiting the\nExhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army\n.\n4. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold?\nYou may wonder\nwhy Harbin is so cold\n? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an \"Icy Kingdom\".\nMoreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore,\nHarbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude\n. The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)!\nIs Harbin always cold?\nOf course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F).\nIn addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only \"City of Music\" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime.\nLet us create a Harbin trip for you.\nDaily average high temperature in\nJuly\n: 28°C (82°F)\nDaily average low temperature in\nJanuary\n: -24°C (-11°F)\nMonsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in)\nThe city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall.\nRead more about\nHarbin Weather - Best Time to Visit\n5. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains'\nHarbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the '\ncity transported by trains\n'.\nYou can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China.\nBullet trains now also speed from Harbin to\nBeijing\n.\nYou can take the international train K7023\/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia.\nIn addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center.\n6. Geography of Harbin\nSignificance of the city\n: a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia.\nNearest major city\n:\nChangchun\n, Jilin provincial capital (240 km \/ 150 mi south)\nTerrain\n: The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals.\nElevation\n: 150 m (490 ft)\nMain rivers\n: Songhua River\n7. Location of Harbin\nMunicipality location:\n44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border.\nMunicipal population:\n10,636,000 (2010)\nMunicipal area:\n53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi)\nMunicipal population density:\n200\/sq km (519\/sq mi)\nUrban area:\n2,089 sq km (806 sq mi)\nUrban population:\n4,517,000 (2010)\nUrban population density:\n2,162\/sq km (5,601\/sq mi)\nNorth to south urban span:\n25 km (15 mi)\nEast to west urban span:\n20 km (12 mi)\nCity Center:\nCentral Avenue\n8. Harbin Education\nEducation and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology.\nHarbin Institute of Technology\nis one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated \"100 years of excellence\" on June 7, 2020.\nExplore Harbin with China Highlights\nIf you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will\ncustomize a Harbin trip\naccording to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration:\n1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour\n5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour\n5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour\n7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour","attrs_markdown":"![facebook share](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=106213096602243&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n[![China Highlights Logo](https:\/\/images.chinahighlights.com\/allpicture\/2025\/10\/a3a4095ed29345cbb391c5e122ca8b2c.jpg)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/)\n\n[CHINA TOURS]()\n\nTop China Tours\n\n[![2-Week China Natural Wonders Discovery](https:\/\/images.chinahighlights.com\/allpicture\/2015\/11\/493f64a2411a42ca99fc63d1_cut_216x180_241_1773417665.jpg)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/natural-wonders-discovery.htm)  [2-Week China Natural Wonders Discovery](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/natural-wonders-discovery.htm)\n\n[![2-Week China Essence and Panda 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Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport.\n\nHarbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called \"**the Ice City**\", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival.\n\n## Content Preview\n- [Ice and Snow Festival](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Festival)\n- [Tourism](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Tourism)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#History)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Weather)\n- [Transportation](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Transportation)\n- [Geography](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Geography)\n- [Location](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Location)\n- [Education](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Education)\n## 1\\. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival\nFeaturing long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination.\n\nHarbin has become world-famous for having the largest [ice and snow festival](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/harbin-international-ice-and-snow-festival.htm). **The opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year**. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin.\n\nThe most popular place is the **[Harbin Ice and Snow World](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm)**, which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world.\n\nThere are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on **[Sun Island](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm)** and an ice lantern show in **Zhaolin Park**.\n\n[![7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm)\n\n[**7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family Tour**Harbin and Yabuli Family Relaxation](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm)\n## 2\\. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin\nHarbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers [Yabuli Ski Resort](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/yabuli-skiing-center.htm) and Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more:\n\n- **Architecture and sightseeing**: Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park\n- **Most popular souvenirs and local products**: ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls\n- **Most popular local food**: Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews).\n\n*Recommended* ways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China:\n\n- [1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-snow-town.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n## 3\\. The History of Harbin\nThe city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy.\n\n**Once a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence**.\n\nFor historical reasons, Harbin is also known  as:\n\n- [**Oriental Moscow**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Oriental) (due to Russian influence)\n- [**Noah's Ark in the Far East**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Noah) (due to Jewish history)\n- [**Japanese Auschwitz**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Auschwitz) (due to the Japanese influence!)\n### 1\\) \"Oriental Moscow\" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence\n![Central Street](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)\n\nFrom a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains \"**a city without walls**\".\n\nIn 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are **various types of architecture** with different national styles and characteristics.\n\nThe combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin.\n\nOld Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe. [Contact us for an Oriental Moscow trip](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/).\n\n### 2\\) \"Noah's Ark in the Far East\" — Haven of Jews\nLike Shanghai, **Harbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews**. In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination.\n\n**Harbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia**, and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society.\n\nNow, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin.\n\nIn addition, there is a **Jewish cemetery** in Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation. There are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin.\n\n### 3\\) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731\nUnit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans.\n\nYou can know more by visiting the **Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army**.\n\n[![4-Day Harbin Ice Wonderland and Short Ski Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm)\n\n[**5-Day Harbin Ski and Volgar Manor Tour (Without Hotel)**All-in-One Harbin Winter Adventure](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm)\n## 4\\. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold?\nYou may wonder **why Harbin is so cold**? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an \"Icy Kingdom\".\n\nMoreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore, **Harbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude**. The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)\\!\n\n**Is Harbin always cold?** Of course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F).\n\nIn addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only \"City of Music\" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime. [Let us create a Harbin trip for you.](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/)\n\n- Daily average high temperature in [July](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather\/july.htm): 28°C (82°F)\n- Daily average low temperature in [January](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather\/january.htm): -24°C (-11°F)\n- Monsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in)\n\nThe city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall.\n\nRead more about [Harbin Weather - Best Time to Visit](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather.htm)\n\n[![5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n\n[**5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n## 5\\. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains'\nHarbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the '**city transported by trains**'.\n\n- You can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China.\n- Bullet trains now also speed from Harbin to [Beijing](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/beijing\/).\n- You can take the international train K7023\/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia.\n\nIn addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center.\n\n[![7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)\n\n[**7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour** An All-inclusive Tour of Northeast China's Winter Wonders](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)\n## 6\\. Geography of Harbin\n- **Significance of the city**: a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia.\n- **Nearest major city**: [Changchun](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/changchun\/), Jilin provincial capital (240 km \/ 150 mi south)\n- **Terrain**: The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals.\n- **Elevation**: 150 m (490 ft)\n- **Main rivers**: Songhua River\n## 7\\. Location of Harbin\n![Harbin Map](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)\n\n- **Municipality location:** 44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border.\n- **Municipal population:** 10,636,000 (2010)\n- **Municipal area:** 53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi)\n- **Municipal population density:** 200\/sq km (519\/sq mi)\n- **Urban area:** 2,089 sq km (806 sq mi)\n- **Urban population:** 4,517,000 (2010)\n- **Urban population density:** 2,162\/sq km (5,601\/sq mi)\n- **North to south urban span:** 25 km (15 mi)\n- **East to west urban span:** 20 km (12 mi)\n- **City Center:** Central Avenue\n## 8\\. Harbin Education\nEducation and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology.\n\n**Harbin Institute of Technology** is one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated \"100 years of excellence\" on June 7, 2020.\n\n## Explore Harbin with China Highlights\nIf you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will [customize a Harbin trip](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/) according to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration:\n\n- [1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-snow-town.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n- [7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)\n\n[Start  Your  Journey](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/forms\/create-my-trip.htm)\n\n### Why China Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)\n- Save Your Time:\n- Less research, more enjoyment\\!\n- Real-time 1V1 expert planning\n- Maximize Your Flexibility:\n- Personal local guide and ride\n- Explore at your own pace\n- Live Your China Story:\n- Authentic local culture and lifestyles\n- Understand the culture by living it\n\nPopular tours\n\n- [14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/natural-wonders-discovery.htm)\n- [2-Week China Essence and Panda Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/china-essence-panda-tour.htm)\n- [21-Day Classic Chinese History and Natural Wonders Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/china-landmarks.htm)\n- [21-Day China Tour with Silk Road](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/classic-china-with-silk-road.htm)\n- [18-Day Classic China Tour with Yunnan](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/china-tours\/classic-china-tour-with-yunnan.htm)\n\nMake the most of your time\n\n- [10 Most Beautiful Places in China for First-Time Travelers](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/travelguide\/most-beautiful-places.htm)\n- [Best Time to Visit China: Avoid the Crowds (Travel Calendar)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/china-best-times.htm)\n- [Plan Your First Trip to China 2026: 10 Things to Know](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/travelguide\/plan-first-trip.htm)\n- [How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China: Top 3 Options (2026)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/travelguide\/3-weeks-china-itinerary.htm)\n\nChoose the best time to visit\n\n- [China Weather in January 2026: A Good Time to Visit?](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/january.htm)\n- [Weather in China in February and Where to Go (2026)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/february.htm)\n- [Weather in China in March & Top Places for Cherry Blossom 2026](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/march.htm)\n- [China Weather in April 2026: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/april.htm)\n- [China Weather in May & Top Places to Visit in 2026](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/may.htm)\n- [Weather in China in June: Is It a Good Time to Visit?](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/june.htm)\n- [Weather in China in July 2026: Where to Avoid Heat and Crowds](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/july.htm)\n- [Weather in China in August & Top 5 Places to Visit (2026)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/august.htm)\n- [Weather in China in September: Best Places for Autumn Leaves](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/september.htm)\n- [China Weather in October 2026: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/october.htm)\n- [China Weather in November 2026 & Top 5 Places to Go](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/november.htm)\n- [China Weather in December 2026: Top 7 Places to Go](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/weather\/december.htm)\n\n## A Global Network of Trust and Recognition\n![social medias logos](https:\/\/images.chinahighlights.com\/allpicture\/2025\/10\/fe258d8e77764080bf0d0f303c4211b6.jpg)\n\nConnect with your personal advisor  \n to start your journey. 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"**Harbin is the capital** of Heilongjiang province. Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport.\n\nHarbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called \"**the Ice City**\", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival.\n\n## Content Preview\n- [Ice and Snow Festival](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Festival)\n- [Tourism](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Tourism)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#History)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Weather)\n- [Transportation](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Transportation)\n- [Geography](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Geography)\n- [Location](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Location)\n- [Education](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Education)\n## 1\\. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival\nFeaturing long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination.\n\nHarbin has become world-famous for having the largest [ice and snow festival](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/harbin-international-ice-and-snow-festival.htm). **The opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year**. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin.\n\nThe most popular place is the **[Harbin Ice and Snow World](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm)**, which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world.\n\nThere are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on **[Sun Island](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm)** and an ice lantern show in **Zhaolin Park**.\n\n[![7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm)\n\n## 2\\. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin\nHarbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers [Yabuli Ski Resort](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/attraction\/yabuli-skiing-center.htm) and Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more:\n\n- **Architecture and sightseeing**: Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park\n- **Most popular souvenirs and local products**: ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls\n- **Most popular local food**: Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews).\n\n*Recommended* ways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China:\n\n- [1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-snow-town.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n## 3\\. The History of Harbin\nThe city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy.\n\n**Once a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence**.\n\nFor historical reasons, Harbin is also known  as:\n\n- [**Oriental Moscow**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Oriental) (due to Russian influence)\n- [**Noah's Ark in the Far East**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Noah) (due to Jewish history)\n- [**Japanese Auschwitz**](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/harbin-facts.htm#Auschwitz) (due to the Japanese influence!)\n### 1\\) \"Oriental Moscow\" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence\n![Central Street](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)\n\nFrom a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains \"**a city without walls**\".\n\nIn 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are **various types of architecture** with different national styles and characteristics.\n\nThe combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin.\n\nOld Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe. [Contact us for an Oriental Moscow trip](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/).\n\n### 2\\) \"Noah's Ark in the Far East\" — Haven of Jews\nLike Shanghai, **Harbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews**. In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination.\n\n**Harbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia**, and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society.\n\nNow, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin.\n\nIn addition, there is a **Jewish cemetery** in Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation. There are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin.\n\n### 3\\) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731\nUnit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans.\n\nYou can know more by visiting the **Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army**.\n\n[![4-Day Harbin Ice Wonderland and Short Ski Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm)\n\n## 4\\. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold?\nYou may wonder **why Harbin is so cold**? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an \"Icy Kingdom\".\n\nMoreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore, **Harbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude**. The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)\\!\n\n**Is Harbin always cold?** Of course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F).\n\nIn addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only \"City of Music\" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime. [Let us create a Harbin trip for you.](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/)\n\n- Daily average high temperature in [July](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather\/july.htm): 28°C (82°F)\n- Daily average low temperature in [January](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather\/january.htm): -24°C (-11°F)\n- Monsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in)\n\nThe city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall.\n\nRead more about [Harbin Weather - Best Time to Visit](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/weather.htm)\n\n[![5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n\n## 5\\. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains'\nHarbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the '**city transported by trains**'.\n\n- You can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China.\n- Bullet trains now also speed from Harbin to [Beijing](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/beijing\/).\n- You can take the international train K7023\/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia.\n\nIn addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center.\n\n[![7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)\n\n## 6\\. Geography of Harbin\n- **Significance of the city**: a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia.\n- **Nearest major city**: [Changchun](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/changchun\/), Jilin provincial capital (240 km \/ 150 mi south)\n- **Terrain**: The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals.\n- **Elevation**: 150 m (490 ft)\n- **Main rivers**: Songhua River\n## 7\\. Location of Harbin\n![Harbin Map](https:\/\/data.chinahighlights.com\/grey.gif)\n\n- **Municipality location:** 44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border.\n- **Municipal population:** 10,636,000 (2010)\n- **Municipal area:** 53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi)\n- **Municipal population density:** 200\/sq km (519\/sq mi)\n- **Urban area:** 2,089 sq km (806 sq mi)\n- **Urban population:** 4,517,000 (2010)\n- **Urban population density:** 2,162\/sq km (5,601\/sq mi)\n- **North to south urban span:** 25 km (15 mi)\n- **East to west urban span:** 20 km (12 mi)\n- **City Center:** Central Avenue\n## 8\\. Harbin Education\nEducation and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology.\n\n**Harbin Institute of Technology** is one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated \"100 years of excellence\" on June 7, 2020.\n\n## Explore Harbin with China Highlights\nIf you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will [customize a Harbin trip](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/contactus\/) according to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration:\n\n- [1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-snow-town.htm)\n- [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm)\n- [7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour](https:\/\/www.chinahighlights.com\/harbin\/tours\/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm
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Meta Title	Harbin (Ice City in China): Ice Festival, Attractions, History, Weather
Meta Description	Get the important Harbin facts covering Harbin’s location, Ice and Snow Festival, tourism, history, climate, population, languages, transport, etc.
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Boilerpipe Text	Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province. Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport. Harbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called " the Ice City ", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival. Content Preview Ice and Snow Festival Tourism History Weather Transportation Geography Location Education 1. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Featuring long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination. Harbin has become world-famous for having the largest ice and snow festival . The opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year . Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin. The most popular place is the Harbin Ice and Snow World , which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world. There are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on Sun Island and an ice lantern show in Zhaolin Park . 2. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin Harbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers Yabuli Ski Resort and Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more: Architecture and sightseeing : Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park Most popular souvenirs and local products : ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls Most popular local food : Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews). Recommended ways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China: 1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour 5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour 5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour 3. The History of Harbin The city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy. Once a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence . For historical reasons, Harbin is also known as: Oriental Moscow (due to Russian influence) Noah's Ark in the Far East (due to Jewish history) Japanese Auschwitz (due to the Japanese influence!) 1) "Oriental Moscow" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence From a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains " a city without walls ". In 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are various types of architecture with different national styles and characteristics. The combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin. Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe. Contact us for an Oriental Moscow trip . 2) "Noah's Ark in the Far East" — Haven of Jews Like Shanghai, Harbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews . In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination. Harbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia , and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society. Now, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin. In addition, there is a Jewish cemetery in Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation. There are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin. 3) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731 Unit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans. You can know more by visiting the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army . 4. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold? You may wonder why Harbin is so cold ? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an "Icy Kingdom". Moreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore, Harbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude . The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)! Is Harbin always cold? Of course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F). In addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only "City of Music" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime. Let us create a Harbin trip for you. Daily average high temperature in July : 28°C (82°F) Daily average low temperature in January : -24°C (-11°F) Monsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in) The city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall. Read more about Harbin Weather - Best Time to Visit 5. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains' Harbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the ' city transported by trains '. You can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China. Bullet trains now also speed from Harbin to Beijing . You can take the international train K7023/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia. In addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center. 6. Geography of Harbin Significance of the city : a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia. Nearest major city : Changchun , Jilin provincial capital (240 km / 150 mi south) Terrain : The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals. Elevation : 150 m (490 ft) Main rivers : Songhua River 7. Location of Harbin Municipality location: 44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border. Municipal population: 10,636,000 (2010) Municipal area: 53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi) Municipal population density: 200/sq km (519/sq mi) Urban area: 2,089 sq km (806 sq mi) Urban population: 4,517,000 (2010) Urban population density: 2,162/sq km (5,601/sq mi) North to south urban span: 25 km (15 mi) East to west urban span: 20 km (12 mi) City Center: Central Avenue 8. Harbin Education Education and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology. Harbin Institute of Technology is one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated "100 years of excellence" on June 7, 2020. Explore Harbin with China Highlights If you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will customize a Harbin trip according to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration: 1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour 5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour 5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour 7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour
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Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport. Harbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called "the Ice City", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival. ## Content Preview - [Ice and Snow Festival](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Festival) - [Tourism](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Tourism) - [History](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#History) - [Weather](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Weather) - [Transportation](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Transportation) - [Geography](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Geography) - [Location](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Location) - [Education](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Education) ## 1\. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Featuring long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination. Harbin has become world-famous for having the largest [ice and snow festival](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/harbin-international-ice-and-snow-festival.htm). The opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin. The most popular place is the [Harbin Ice and Snow World](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm), which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world. There are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on [Sun Island](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm) and an ice lantern show in Zhaolin Park. [![7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm) [7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family TourHarbin and Yabuli Family Relaxation](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm) ## 2\. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin Harbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers [Yabuli Ski Resort](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/yabuli-skiing-center.htm) and Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more: - Architecture and sightseeing: Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park - Most popular souvenirs and local products: ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls - Most popular local food: Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews). Recommended ways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China: - [1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm) - [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm) - [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) ## 3\. The History of Harbin The city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy. Once a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence. For historical reasons, Harbin is also known as: - [Oriental Moscow](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Oriental) (due to Russian influence) - [Noah's Ark in the Far East](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Noah) (due to Jewish history) - [Japanese Auschwitz](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Auschwitz) (due to the Japanese influence!) ### 1\) "Oriental Moscow" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence ![Central Street](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif) From a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains "a city without walls". In 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are various types of architecture with different national styles and characteristics. The combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin. Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe. [Contact us for an Oriental Moscow trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/). ### 2\) "Noah's Ark in the Far East" — Haven of Jews Like Shanghai, Harbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews. In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination. Harbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia, and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society. Now, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin. In addition, there is a Jewish cemetery in Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation. There are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin. ### 3\) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731 Unit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans. You can know more by visiting the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. [![4-Day Harbin Ice Wonderland and Short Ski Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm) [5-Day Harbin Ski and Volgar Manor Tour (Without Hotel)All-in-One Harbin Winter Adventure](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm) ## 4\. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold? You may wonder why Harbin is so cold? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an "Icy Kingdom". Moreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore, Harbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude. The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)\! Is Harbin always cold? Of course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F). In addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only "City of Music" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime. [Let us create a Harbin trip for you.](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) - Daily average high temperature in [July](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather/july.htm): 28°C (82°F) - Daily average low temperature in [January](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather/january.htm): -24°C (-11°F) - Monsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in) The city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall. Read more about [Harbin Weather - Best Time to Visit](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather.htm) [![5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) ## 5\. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains' Harbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the 'city transported by trains'. - You can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China. - Bullet trains now also speed from Harbin to [Beijing](https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/). - You can take the international train K7023/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia. In addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center. [![7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm) [7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour An All-inclusive Tour of Northeast China's Winter Wonders](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm) ## 6\. Geography of Harbin - Significance of the city: a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia. - Nearest major city: [Changchun](https://www.chinahighlights.com/changchun/), Jilin provincial capital (240 km / 150 mi south) - Terrain: The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals. - Elevation: 150 m (490 ft) - Main rivers: Songhua River ## 7\. Location of Harbin ![Harbin Map](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif) - Municipality location: 44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border. - Municipal population: 10,636,000 (2010) - Municipal area: 53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi) - Municipal population density: 200/sq km (519/sq mi) - Urban area: 2,089 sq km (806 sq mi) - Urban population: 4,517,000 (2010) - Urban population density: 2,162/sq km (5,601/sq mi) - North to south urban span: 25 km (15 mi) - East to west urban span: 20 km (12 mi) - City Center: Central Avenue ## 8\. Harbin Education Education and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology. Harbin Institute of Technology is one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated "100 years of excellence" on June 7, 2020. ## Explore Harbin with China Highlights If you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will [customize a Harbin trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) according to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration: - [1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm) - [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm) - [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) - [7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm) [Start Your Journey](https://www.chinahighlights.com/forms/create-my-trip.htm) ### Why China Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating) - Save Your Time: - Less research, more enjoyment\! - Real-time 1V1 expert planning - Maximize Your Flexibility: - Personal local guide and ride - Explore at your own pace - Live Your China Story: - Authentic local culture and lifestyles - Understand the culture by living it Popular tours - [14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/natural-wonders-discovery.htm) - [2-Week China Essence and Panda Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-essence-panda-tour.htm) - [21-Day Classic Chinese History and Natural Wonders Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-landmarks.htm) - [21-Day China Tour with Silk Road](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/classic-china-with-silk-road.htm) - [18-Day Classic China Tour with Yunnan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/classic-china-tour-with-yunnan.htm) Make the most of your time - [10 Most Beautiful Places in China for First-Time Travelers](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/most-beautiful-places.htm) - [Best Time to Visit China: Avoid the Crowds (Travel Calendar)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/china-best-times.htm) - [Plan Your First Trip to China 2026: 10 Things to Know](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/plan-first-trip.htm) - [How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China: Top 3 Options (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/3-weeks-china-itinerary.htm) Choose the best time to visit - [China Weather in January 2026: A Good Time to Visit?](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/january.htm) - [Weather in China in February and Where to Go (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/february.htm) - [Weather in China in March & Top Places for Cherry Blossom 2026](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/march.htm) - [China Weather in April 2026: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/april.htm) - [China Weather in May & Top Places to Visit in 2026](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/may.htm) - [Weather in China in June: Is It a Good Time to Visit?](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/june.htm) - [Weather in China in July 2026: Where to Avoid Heat and Crowds](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/july.htm) - [Weather in China in August & Top 5 Places to Visit (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/august.htm) - [Weather in China in September: Best Places for Autumn Leaves](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/september.htm) - [China Weather in October 2026: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/october.htm) - [China Weather in November 2026 & Top 5 Places to Go](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/november.htm) - [China Weather in December 2026: Top 7 Places to Go](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/december.htm) ## A Global Network of Trust and Recognition ![social medias logos](https://images.chinahighlights.com/allpicture/2025/10/fe258d8e77764080bf0d0f303c4211b6.jpg) Connect with your personal advisor to start your journey. 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Readable Markdown	Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province. Rising to prominence as a base in the Russian-Japanese War (1904–5), Harbin quickly became central to Northeast China's (Manchuria's) regional and international transport. Harbin is now a large, open city, influenced deeply by Russia, Europe, and Japan in its culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Also called "the Ice City", Harbin is one of the most popular destinations for winter tours, hosting the world's biggest ice and snow festival. ## Content Preview - [Ice and Snow Festival](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Festival) - [Tourism](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Tourism) - [History](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#History) - [Weather](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Weather) - [Transportation](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Transportation) - [Geography](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Geography) - [Location](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Location) - [Education](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Education) ## 1\. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Featuring long frozen winters, Harbin is an unmissable winter holiday destination. Harbin has become world-famous for having the largest [ice and snow festival](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/harbin-international-ice-and-snow-festival.htm). The opening ceremony is held on January 5 every year. Lasting for more than two months, Harbin Ice and Snow international festival is also the longest snow festival in the world. Nearly all the ice for the festival is cut from the Songhua River in Harbin. The most popular place is the [Harbin Ice and Snow World](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm), which is like a frozen Disneyland, and you can see the big ice and snow castles, cartoon sculptures, and enjoy the biggest variety of snow sports and activities in the world. There are also ice and snow sculptures exhibitions on [Sun Island](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm) and an ice lantern show in Zhaolin Park. [![7-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Club Med Family Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-festival-yabuli-club-med-tour.htm) ## 2\. Harbin Tourism: The Main Attractions of Harbin Harbin has long been a popular winter destination for snow tourism and skiing experiences. Besides enjoying the Ice and Snow Festival, if you are skiing lovers [Yabuli Ski Resort](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/yabuli-skiing-center.htm) and Jihua Ski Resort are recommended, but there's also much more: - Architecture and sightseeing: Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park - Most popular souvenirs and local products: ginseng, Chinese herbs, Russian products such as furs and Russian dolls - Most popular local food: Russian-style heavy bread, European-style pastries, chicken stewed with mushrooms (and other stews). Recommended ways to see Harbin Ice Festival and enjoy Northeast China: - [1-Day Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm) - [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm) - [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) ## 3\. The History of Harbin The city started as a Russian-built settlement to support a railway (built 1896–1904) between Vladivostok and the Russian Port Arthur (now Dalian). Tens of thousands of Jews settled there, and the city was known as cosmopolitan and comparatively wealthy. Once a simple, but well-located fishing village on the Songhua River, now it is the largest city in the province, and it still has substantial Russian influence. For historical reasons, Harbin is also known as: - [Oriental Moscow](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Oriental) (due to Russian influence) - [Noah's Ark in the Far East](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Noah) (due to Jewish history) - [Japanese Auschwitz](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/harbin-facts.htm#Auschwitz) (due to the Japanese influence!) ### 1\) "Oriental Moscow" — A City with Great Russian and European Influence ![Central Street](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif) From a small fishing village to an international metropolis, Harbin remains "a city without walls". In 1896, Russia obtained the right to build the Chinese Eastern Railway and decided to take Harbin as its hub and construction center. A large number of Russian and European expatriates poured into Harbin, which brought the city a foreign flavor. They brought not only European culture but also their beliefs. Therefore, there are various types of architecture with different national styles and characteristics. The combination of these exotic cultural symbols and traditional Chinese cultural elements is reflected in the buildings, which form the unique urban architectural art style of Harbin. Old Quarter, St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Avenue (pedestrian street), Stalin Park — all their buildings make you feel like you're in Europe. [Contact us for an Oriental Moscow trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/). ### 2\) "Noah's Ark in the Far East" — Haven of Jews Like Shanghai, Harbin was also an important sanctuary for Jews. In 1920, more than 20,000 Jews, mainly from Russia, settled in Harbin to escape persecution and discrimination. Harbin was once the largest Jewish center in East Asia, and they built kindergartens, schools, libraries, cinemas, etc. in Harbin, playing an important part of Harbin's society. Now, you can still find Jewish synagogues, the sites of Jewish banks, Jewish high schools, Jewish hospitals, and the still-in-use Modern Hotel in Harbin. In addition, there is a Jewish cemetery in Harbin, consisting of 605 graves. These tombstones have their own characteristics, which reflect the profound culture of the Jewish nation. There are buried relatives of Rabin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, the spiritual leader of the Jews in Harbin, and the relatives of Ya Kaufman, the president of the Jewish religious association in Harbin. ### 3\) Japanese Auschwitz — the Site of Unit 731 Unit 731 was the largest bacteriological warfare facility in the history of the World Wars through the 1930s and 40s. Auschwitz of the German Nazis and Japan's Unit 731 were known as the world's two most evil killing dens. The victims included Chinese, Soviets, Mongolians, and Koreans. You can know more by visiting the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. [![4-Day Harbin Ice Wonderland and Short Ski Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-wonderland-short-ski-tour.htm) ## 4\. Harbin Weather — Is Harbin Always Cold? You may wonder why Harbin is so cold? In winter, cold air from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau moves eastward and southward, and flowing straight over Harbin, making Harbin an "Icy Kingdom". Moreover, Harbin is not a coastal city (over 500 km from the Sea of Japan) and so is less affected by the Pacific Ocean's warm currents. Therefore, Harbin in winter is colder than cities in Western Europe and Japan at the same latitude. The coldest month in Harbin is January and the temperature averages -18°C (0°F)\! Is Harbin always cold? Of course, no. Do not let the ice and snow confuse you. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 28°C (83°F) and an average low of 18°C (65°F). In addition to being a winter trip paradise, Harbin is also a good place to escape the heat of summer. As the only "City of Music" in Asia awarded by the United Nations, Harbin's summer music festival is always held during summertime. [Let us create a Harbin trip for you.](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) - Daily average high temperature in [July](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather/july.htm): 28°C (82°F) - Daily average low temperature in [January](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather/january.htm): -24°C (-11°F) - Monsoon-influenced, but low-rainfall continental climate; annual precipitation: 520 mm (21 in) The city experiences very cold, dry winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall. Read more about [Harbin Weather - Best Time to Visit](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/weather.htm) [![5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) ## 5\. Harbin Transportation — 'City Transported by Trains' Harbin is the major northern railway hub of Northeast China, and an important railway hub connecting China and Northeast Asia. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway made Harbin, so Chinese say Harbin is the 'city transported by trains'. - You can take trains from Harbin to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou… most of the big cities in China. - Bullet trains now also speed from Harbin to [Beijing](https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/). - You can take the international train K7023/7024, from Harbin to Vladivostok, Russia. In addition, you can take a flight to Harbin. Harbin Taiping International Airport is 35 kilometers from the city center. [![7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm) ## 6\. Geography of Harbin - Significance of the city: a large industrial city with substantial commercial ties to South Korea, Japan, and Russia. - Nearest major city: [Changchun](https://www.chinahighlights.com/changchun/), Jilin provincial capital (240 km / 150 mi south) - Terrain: The large municipality is situated on an inland plain crisscrossed by rivers and canals. - Elevation: 150 m (490 ft) - Main rivers: Songhua River ## 7\. Location of Harbin ![Harbin Map](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif) - Municipality location: 44°04′–46°40′ N, 125°42′–130°10' E; Northeast China near the Russian border. - Municipal population: 10,636,000 (2010) - Municipal area: 53,068 sq km (20,489 sq mi) - Municipal population density: 200/sq km (519/sq mi) - Urban area: 2,089 sq km (806 sq mi) - Urban population: 4,517,000 (2010) - Urban population density: 2,162/sq km (5,601/sq mi) - North to south urban span: 25 km (15 mi) - East to west urban span: 20 km (12 mi) - City Center: Central Avenue ## 8\. Harbin Education Education and technology is the inner power of Harbin's development. Harbin is one of the Chinese cities where universities and scientific research institutes are concentrated. In 2019, there were more than 50 universities in Harbin and the most well-known one is the Harbin Institute of Technology. Harbin Institute of Technology is one of the key universities in China, and it is the first university in China to found an Aerospace College on the campus. Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated "100 years of excellence" on June 7, 2020. ## Explore Harbin with China Highlights If you are planning a Harbin tour, please tell us your special requirements. We will [customize a Harbin trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) according to your interests. You could start by seeing our recommended tours below for inspiration: - [1-Day Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm) - [5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm) - [5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-yabuli-and-china-snow-town.htm) - [7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)
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