One of the large cities in North-Eastern China and the capital of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin is a thriving commercial centre known for heavy industries, 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