Places of Interest

What was formerly the birthplace of the Manchus is today a thriving business and manufacturing hub. Foreign trade and natural resources continue to generate economic allure, while machinery and electronic industries are by now firmly established as its economic mainstays. Investment interest continues to pour in today, from Europe, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and America.

Tourism is another thriving industry, and Harbin is world famous for its annual Snow & Ice Festival. Held on Zhaolin Park (just 5 minutes walk from Gloria Inn Harbin) and on the frozen banks of Song Hua River, sculptors transform blocks of ice into famous monuments and landmarks, pagodas and palaces in sub-zero temperatures. In the nights, these inspiring sculptures are illuminated with lanterns and when combined with haunting music, creates a magical aura in an icy wonderland. Fun-filled activities also mark this festival and they include pony-cart rides or a swim in freezing waters. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Other tourist activities include a visit to Pingfang, some 30km outside the city. During the Japanese occupation, experiments were carried out on Chinese subjects and other prisoners of war. Today, it stands as a museum. And for nature lovers, a delightful visit to Jingpo Lake or the Zhaolong Nature Reserve will bring calm to the sense and soul.