Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China has a rich and fascinating history which successfully entices visitors from around the globe on a regular basis; China Flights have regular tips to this spectacular city. China Tours offer a wide array of tours to this northern city to introduce the city’s history and sights. At the turn of the century the city’s population began to steadily grow when the announcement was made in 1896, to build a railway line from Vladivostok through Harbin to Dalian. The old fishing village began to grow as the melting pot of nationalities began to settle in the Northern city.
Furthermore the political turmoil of the early Twentieth Century had an immense impact on the city’s population. The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution caused many Russians to relocate to Harbin. However the capture of the city during World War Two by Japanese forces, and the eventual shift of power as invading Russian forces drove the Japanese out, dramatically affected the city’s history and infrastructure. The control of the city was subsequently decided during the brutal civil war which soon engulfed all of China, when Stalin and Chiang Kaishek came to an agreement over the control of the city.
The settling Russians in Harbin built old cobbled streets to create a ‘Little Moscow’ or ‘Oriental Moscow’, visitors can see further evidence of their influence throughout the city today. The famous St Sofia Orthodox Church and surrounding architecture of Central Street generates the impression that you could be anywhere in Europe. There are numerous local and Russian restaurants available, which sell local and Russian delicacies’ such as ice cream and pastries (be warned, the rocket fuel otherwise known as AK47Vodka is dangerous!)
If the city’s icy temperatures leave you feeling drowsy head to the heart of the town to visit the Harbin Art and Architecture Center which contain some remarkable historical photos of the city. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy head down to the road for some fabulous shopping opportunities in the many glamorous fashion malls.
The city’s annual Ice Festival miraculously transforms the gloomy night atmosphere into a scintillating and frosty winter wonderland. The spectacular ice sculptures and ice lanterns are lined with led lights which illuminate the glittering ice sculptures.
The Ice Festivals chilly temperatures are overlooked, as the radiant ice sculptures create an atmosphere of overwhelming beauty. Other attractions include Yabuli Ski Resort which is 20km southeast of Yabuli Town. The best time to visit Yabuli for skiing, is during the winter months from early December to late February. 
Further along from Yabuli, is the northeast Siberian Tiger Park which was built to house and breed Siberian Tigers. The large park (more than 250 acres) introduces guests a wide array of sights including their successful breeding program, other large cats such as Bengal tigers, pumas and leopards. Any trip to China will not be successful without a journey north to the ‘Oriental Moscow’, to experience a world of amazing beauty, for more information visit China Travel.
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