Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, China. It is the largest city of Heilongjiang,
as well as being the city with the second-largest urban population (after Shenyang, Liaoning province) and largest metropolitan population (urban and rural regions together) in Northeast China. Harbin has direct jurisdiction over nine metropolitan
districts, two county-level cities and seven counties, and is the eighth most populous Chinese city according to the 2020 census. The built-up area of Harbin (which consists of all districts except Shuangcheng and Acheng) had 5,841,929 inhabitants,
while the total metropolitan population was up to 10,009,854, making it one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. Harbin serves as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in Northeast China, as well as an
important
industrial base of the nation.
▶ Visit the Harbin Polarland
for a unique summer experience Weather: July and August are
the hottest and rainiest months of the year in Harbin, but
it is still relatively cooler compared with most other
cities in China, and it is less rainy than most southern and
coastal cities. So Harbin is a summer trip destination for
many people. The average nightly low temperature is 18 °C
(64 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 28 °C (82
°F).
Top experiences in Harbin at July
In July, the Harbin Polarland offers a cool and refreshing
escape from the summer heat with its indoor arctic-themed
attractions. You can observe polar animals such as penguins,
beluga whales, and arctic foxes in their simulated natural
habitats, as well as enjoy interactive exhibits and shows.
The park's air-conditioned facilities provide a comfortable
environment for a fun and educational experience that is
perfect for the summer months.
▶ Explore the Sun Island Scenic Area
In July, the Sun Island Scenic Area is in full bloom, with
colorful flowers and lush greenery creating a picturesque
landscape. You can take a leisurely stroll through the
gardens, relax by the lakeside, and admire the stunning
natural beauty. The scenic area also offers various outdoor
activities such as boating, cycling, and picnicking, making
it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor
enthusiasts.
▶ Take a boat tour on the Songhua River
In July, the Songhua River offers a scenic and relaxing boat
tour that allows you to take in the city's skyline and
natural beauty from a different perspective. You can enjoy
the gentle breeze and stunning views as you cruise along the
river, making for a peaceful and enjoyable experience. The
boat tour is a great way to unwind and appreciate the
tranquil surroundings of Harbin in the summertime.
▶ Visit the Harbin International Beer Festival
Held in July, the Harbin International Beer Festival is a
lively and exciting event that brings together beer
enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival features a
wide selection of local and international beers, as well as
live music, food vendors, and fun activities. It's a great
way to sample different types of beer, socialize with fellow
beer lovers, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Harbin Weather in July
Sixty percent of the annual precipitation falls in July and
August. It rains 14 days of the month for a monthly total of
143 mm. People enjoy 8 hours of sunshine a day.
Clothing: For travelling in July, long sleeve shirts,
trousers, shorts and T-shirts will do during the day, but
for early morning and evening, you may want a light jacket
or sweater. Bring rain gear and keep watch on the weather
forecast.Shop and Sightsee Along Central Street
Harbin
Central Market: Another place to go closeby
in the center of the city is this cobblestone pedestrian
shopping street. It is an interesting street for sightseeing
and a summer walk.
Central Shopping StreetCentral Shopping Street
You can see old Russian buildings and buildings built by
other foreigners in the whole area. It was the original city
area that the Russians and the other foreigners built in the
early 20th century, and there are a lot of different kinds
of architecture to see.
The shopping street is more than a kilometer long (about a
mile), and restaurants and stores were built in the old
buildings. There are also two malls. It is a place to get
Russian and Chinese souvenirs, furs, vodka, chocolate,
candy, and Russian food products. It is also a place to eat
a Russian meal or other types of international cuisine.
Within about two or three blocks of the street are St.
Sophia Cathedral, Harbin's Sophia Square, and Zhaolin Park.How to Get Around Harbin
▶
Subway
Harbin subway has
line 1 and
line 3 in service.
Line 1 runs between
East Railway Station
and South Railway Station, extending 11 miles (18
kilometers). Line 3, which is the only loop line in the
city, connects Yidaeryuan and Chengxianglu.
Line 2 is scheduled
to serve the public in 2021.
According to the long-range plan, a network of “9 lines + 1
circle” will serve the city in the future.
See
Harbin Subway Map
▶ City-bus
The most convenient way of visiting in and around Harbin is
via the extensive bus network with more than one hundred bus
routes reaching all parts of the city. Usually, the starting
time of these buses is between 05:00 and 06:30, and run
until between 19:00 to 21:30. Most of the buses are self
service, so you have to prepare enough small changes before
boarding.
Additionally, two special tourist routes are operating
between 07:00 to 19:00 daily. One departs from the Flood
Control Monument and runs to Sun Island. The other passes
several tourist spots in the downtown area, for example, the
Flood Control Monument, St. Sofia Orthodox Church, City
Railway Station and Museum.
▶ Trolleybus
No.117 is the only trolleybus route remaining in the city at
present and runs between Harbin Infectious Disease Hospital
and Longzhang Road, passing Xiangfang Avenue, the South
Campus of Normal University, Northeast Forestry University,
Lesong Square etc.
Working Hours: 05:30 to 20:30
▶ Taxi
Taking a taxi is the best way to save time and the charge is
inexpensive in the city. Currently, there are around 14,000
taxis serving the public and the car brands are mostly
Jetta, Saibao and Hongqi. It costs CNY8 for the first 3km
(1.9mi); the fare for each extra kilometer (0.6mi) is CNY1.9
in the daytime and CNY2.5 at night (22:30 – 06:00 the next
day). When the car runs over 12km (7.5mi), extra 50% is
charge for empty return.
▶ Ferry
At present, six ferry lines are in operation, four of which
sail to Sun Island. You can take these ferries respectively
at Jiu Zhan, Tongjiang Jie, the Flood Control Monument and
Dao Wai Qi Dao Jie between 08:00 and 17:00.
This year, visitors also have opportunities to take a night
cruise aboard the cruise liner Dragon or Phoenix to enjoy
the piece and tranquility of this city. This service
operates from 15:00 to 22:30 while a luxury service operates
from 15:00 to 21:00.
