Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, has a population of 2.28 million.
  "The drying ground for fishing nets" for its original meaning, Harbin was merely a small fishing village before 1898. Industry and commerce speedily developed as a result of the construction of Dongqing Railway put into operation in 1903.
  Harbin became a new rising city, with foreign nationals from 36 countries coming to live and 15 countries having their consulates stationed. Harbin is a beautiful city, with the Songhua River running through and many Russian-styled houses and buildings.

  For its high latitude and cool weather in summer, it makes an ideal summer retreat. In cold winter, people can see ice lanterns all over the city. Sun Island, floating in the middle of the Songhua Lake to give a scene of magnificent halls, terraces and towers over an area of 12.6 square kilometres, is a scenic wonder in North China. Holidays would see people have picnics out on the island. For the young there is the Children's Park, with a railway extending two kilometres and seven cars of the train attended by children themselves to carry 200 young passengers at a time.
  Stalin Park is on the southern bank of the Songhua River, with lush green trees and blossoming flowers.

  Jingbo Lake, more than 200 kilometres southeast of Harbin, is featured by many beautiful sights, such as Diaoshuilou Waterfall and Great Solitary Hill. Over 300-some kilometres north of Harbin is the Wudalian Pool, a volcano barrier lake known as the museum of volcano.
  Hunting, fishing, cooking and acupuncture trips are organized by the International Travel Service of Harbin.

  Harbin International Hotel, Swan Hotel, North Mansion, Overseas Chinese Hotel and Madier Hotel welcome tourists sincerely. Chum salmon is to be tasted as a speciality to the place. When railways keep Harbin in contacts with other parts of China, the city is also favoured by air routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Shenyang and Jiamusi.