One of the largest cities in northeastern China and the capital of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin is a thriving commercial centre in a region rich with oil, timber and farmland. The city is also famous for the annual Ice and Snow Festival held between January and February each year.

Harbin today is very much influenced by its history with neighboring Russia. With Russian elements found in the local cuisine and even in everyday speech, Harbin presents an intriguing mix of Asian and European cultures.