Harbin City Summer Visitor Guide – A Romantic Resort Destination

With Seiu Travel ...

[640],shadow=true,start=,stop=

Harbin City Summer Visitor Guide - A Romantic Resort Destination

Introduction

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is often known for its ice and snow festival, but it is also a charming summer destination. With its mix of Russian architecture, lush parks, and romantic atmosphere, Harbin is perfect for couples seeking a summer getaway. This guide will help you explore the best of Harbin in the warmer months, focusing on its romantic appeal.

Key Attractions

1. Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie)

Central Street is Harbin's most famous pedestrian street, lined with European-style buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. A stroll down this street offers a glimpse into Harbin's rich cultural heritage and a romantic atmosphere with street performers and outdoor dining.

2. Harbin Sun Island Scenic Area

Located on the north bank of the Songhua River, Sun Island is a beautiful park ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying nature. In summer, the island is filled with blooming flowers and greenery, making it a perfect spot for couples to relax and enjoy the scenery.

3. St. Sophia Cathedral

This stunning Russian Orthodox church is an architectural marvel and one of Harbin's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral, with its green onion-shaped domes, is a romantic backdrop for photos and offers a glimpse into Harbin's Russian past.

4. Songhua River Cruise

A cruise on the Songhua River is a must-do for couples visiting Harbin. The gentle breeze and scenic views of the city's skyline create a romantic ambiance. Evening cruises are especially popular, offering a chance to see the city lights reflecting on the water.

Romantic Activities

  • Evening Walks: Take a stroll along the Songhua River or in Zhaolin Park. The soft glow of street lamps and the serene environment provide a perfect setting for romantic evening walks.
  • Horse Carriage Rides: Central Street offers horse-drawn carriage rides, adding a touch of old-world romance as you ride through the historic parts of the city.
  • Visit to Siberian Tiger Park: For couples who love wildlife, visiting the nearby Siberian Tiger Park can be an adventurous yet memorable experience.
  • Café Hopping: Explore the numerous cafes along Central Street. Enjoy a quiet coffee break with pastries and soak in the atmosphere of Harbin's unique blend of Russian and Chinese culture.
  • Boat Rides on Sun Island: Rent a boat on Sun Island and enjoy a peaceful ride on the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature.

Romantic Dining Options

Harbin offers a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries, catering to romantic outings. Here are some recommended spots:

  • Huamei Restaurant: Known for its Russian-style architecture and dishes, Huamei offers an authentic experience. Try the borscht, Russian bread, and hearty meat dishes.
  • Modern Hotel: A historic hotel with a famous bakery, offering delicious Russian and European pastries. It's a great place for afternoon tea or a sweet treat.
  • Lucy's Café and Restaurant: Located on Central Street, Lucy's offers a cozy atmosphere with a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine. The outdoor seating is perfect for a summer evening.
  • 1918 Coffee Shop: A quaint café located in a historic building, offering a charming ambiance and a range of coffee and light snacks. Ideal for a relaxed and romantic coffee break.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to August) are ideal for enjoying Harbin's outdoor attractions and pleasant weather.
  • What to Wear: Summer temperatures in Harbin are mild, but evenings can be cool. Bring light, comfortable clothing for daytime and a light jacket for the evening.
  • Language: While Chinese is the main language, English is not widely spoken. Having a translation app or a phrasebook can be helpful.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). It's advisable to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards.
  • Transportation: Harbin has a reliable public transport system, including buses and taxis. Central Street and many attractions are walkable.

Harbin, located in the northeastern part of China's Heilongjiang province, is known for its bitterly cold winters, Russian-influenced architecture, and the world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Here's a guide for tourists visiting Harbin:

Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival:
Harbin Ice and Snow World: This massive winter wonderland features elaborate ice and snow sculptures, illuminated by colorful lights. Visitors can marvel at ice castles, sculptures of famous landmarks, and intricate ice carvings.

Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo: Located on Sun Island in the Songhua River, this exhibition showcases large-scale snow sculptures created by artists from around the world.

Ice Lantern Festival: Held in Zhaolin Park, the Ice Lantern Festival features stunning ice lanterns, sculptures, and ice slides. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances, fireworks, and traditional activities like ice fishing.

Russian Influence:
Central Avenue (Zhongyang Street): This pedestrian street is lined with European-style buildings dating back to the early 20th century, reflecting Harbin's history as a Russian trading outpost. Visitors can explore shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in these historic buildings.

St. Sophia Cathedral: This iconic landmark is one of the largest Orthodox churches in China. Built in the Russian Byzantine style, the cathedral now serves as a museum showcasing Harbin's multicultural history.

Cultural Attractions:
Harbin Confucian Temple: This ancient temple complex dates back to the Qing Dynasty and is dedicated to the philosopher Confucius. Visitors can explore traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and historic artifacts.

Harbin Snow Sculpture Art Expo: Held in Sun Island Scenic Area during the winter months, this exhibition features intricate snow sculptures created by talented artists from around the world.

Modern Attractions:
Harbin Polarland: This theme park offers the opportunity to see a variety of Arctic animals up close, including polar bears, beluga whales, and Arctic foxes. Visitors can also enjoy animal performances and interactive exhibits.

Siberian Tiger Park: Located on the outskirts of Harbin, this wildlife park is home to over 500 Siberian tigers, as well as other exotic animals such as lions, leopards, and lynxes. Visitors can take guided tours and observe the animals from a safe distance.

Practical Tips:
Weather: Harbin experiences extremely cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Visitors should dress warmly and be prepared for snow and icy conditions.

Transportation: Harbin has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services. The city is also served by Harbin Taiping International Airport.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic phrases or carry a translation app.

Harbin's unique blend of Russian and Chinese influences, coupled with its spectacular winter festivities, makes it a captivating destination for tourists. Whether you're marveling at ice sculptures, exploring historic landmarks, or experiencing the city's cultural heritage, Harbin offers a memorable and immersive travel experience.

HeiLongJiang map

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

The Li River 漓江 and GuiLin 桂林 night cruise
The Li River between YangShuo and GuiLin, plus the '2 rivers, 4 lakes GuiLin night cruise', GuangXi province ...
Something different – The Barberettes (music)
Korean vocal girl group. Be My Baby - The Ronettes ... Barbara Ann - Beach Boys ... Summer Love ...
A visual guide to QuanZhou 泉州, FuJian province
QuanZhou was once one of China's major ports for foreign traders. It was visited by Marco Polo who praised it as one of the most prosperous and glorious cities in the world. As its harbor is not suitable for larger ships, its significance as a port has reduced but retains abundant cultural heritage.
Cancer as a metabolic disease – 2
With Dr Thomas Seyfried ... Our research of pubmed over the years has found four natural extracts that limit glutamine use by cancer cells : curcumin, green tea extract (inc. EGCG), quercetin and berberine. I would add a fifth for other reasons : sulphoraphane. All have effects on multiple pathways, such as preventing angiogenesis. Ideally one would be working with a skilled doctor, but as a rough guide, large doses would be needed; up to 20 of each per day; so capsules emptied into water would be best; build up over time. Plus zero carbs, low protein (to promote autophagy - hopefully tumor shrinkage; eg 3 egg yolks) and time restricted eating. And fresh air walks. The '100 diet' : * curcumin * green tea extract * quercetin * berberine * sulphoraphane Probably best taken with a meal (e.g. leafy greens) drizzled with MCT, coconut or Extra Virgin olive oils. Add a few tablespoons of Hemp Seed Oil for extra effect (CBD).
Inside the new (2020) DaXing Airport 大兴机场, BeiJing 北京
A journey through Beijing 北京 …
BěiJīng, BěiJīng
The awesome and beautiful Summer Palace in BeiJing
With WestChinaGo ... With BeijingBuzzz ... With Ross ... With China Walking Tour ... With Chris ... Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting There Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2. Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584. Opening Hours April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM) November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM) Tickets April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60 November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50 Main Attractions The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions: Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area. Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat. Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges. Activities Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities: Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake. Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views. Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites. Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace. Dining and Refreshments Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months. Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter. Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time. Nearby Attractions Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore. Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake. Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus. Conclusion The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.
KunMing, aka Spring City, YunNan province
With Reporterfy Media ... With CHN Tourism ... With Blondie In China ...
ShangHai 上海 Dreaming …
A very creative film - don't miss this ...

Tag search ?