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.
Plug TypeLanguageMandarin ChinesePopulation9.5 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800/1900Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days. You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.
A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.
Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.
Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of ChinaThe Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.16
US Dollar (USD)
.15
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.12
Euro (EUR)
.10
British Pound (GBP)
1.23
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
7.94
Indian Rupee (INR)
12.33
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.19
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.20
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
A 15% service charge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.Bank Hours8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday through SundayOffice Hours8.30am to 12 noon; 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday through FridayShop Hours9am to 6pm in most shopping areas. In the Central Street Shopping Mall, shops close at 8pmVisitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.
Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Harbin. Bottled drinking water is available in every room.
Dress is generally informal in Harbin except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate. Winter requires heavy clothing, including heavy coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures drop to well below freezing with strong winds.Harbin is known for its northern climate, with pleasant summer temperatures ranging from 15C to 27C (59F to 81F), and extremely cold winters: -14C to -26C (10F to -12F).