One of the largest cities in North-Eastern 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 neighbouring Russia. With Russian elements found in the local cuisine and even in everyday speech, Harbin presents an intriguing mix of Asian and European cultures.
Visas
All international travellers require visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). 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:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.17
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.12
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.10
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.26
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
9.50
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
15.42
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.20
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies between establishments.
Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday through Sunday
Office Hours
8.30 am - 12noon; 1.30pm - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday
Shop Hours
9am - 6pm in most shopping areas.
In the Central Street Shopping Mall, shops close at 8pm.
Public Health
Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor about your vaccination requirements.
Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Hangzhou 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.
Weather
Harbin is known for its northern climate, with pleasant summer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F), and extremely cold winters: -14°C to -26°C (10°F to -12°F).
Today
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly cloudy
|
High:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Low:
|
18°C /
64°F
|
Tomorrow
Sunny, Thunder Showers
A couple of thunderstorms this afternoon
|
High:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Low:
|
18°C /
64°F
|
|
Friday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
24°C /
75°F
|
Low:
15°C /
59°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Partly Sunny
|
High:
26°C /
78°F
|
Low:
18°C /
64°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Mostly Sunny
|
High:
28°C /
82°F
|
Low:
19°C /
66°F
|