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The Glossary
Harbin Travel Guide
Once nothing but a Russian outpost in the Trans-Siberian Railway, Harbin or Haerbin now emerges as a prosperous capital of 10 million inhabitants in Heilongjiang Province. The city carved a place for itself in the tourist map for its International Snow and Ice Festival, a January 5th spectacle of ice lantern parades and massive ice buildings and carvings that glow with multicolored lights. All-year-round, Harbin is a famous chilly escape for its Russian buildings, inexpensive Mandarin lessons, wellness facilities, and skating rinks that are among the largest in China.
During the Russian Civil War (1918), monarchist refugees escaped from the Soviet Union and found refuge in Harbin, bringing in a lot of influences ranging from food such as duncai (stews) and kabobs, to habits such as playing poker and drinking hapi (beer), and to architectural styles like St. Sophia Cathedral, a former Orthodox church turned into Harbin Museum of Architecture. The museum is the highlight of Old Quarter's many 19th-century Byzantine and Baroque buildings with cupolas and spires. Although derelict, the houses are virtually untouched since their owners abandoned them. French, Jewish and other European houses also line the cobblestone streets of Zhongyang Dajie.
Another proof of Russian influence is the Stalin Park, which provides a pleasant walk along the Songhua River. A safari bus also takes tourists on a close encounter with hundreds of Siberian Tigers at Siberian Tiger Preserve, home to Russia's famous animal. It's also possible to buy duck or cow meat to hand-feed the tigers.
A reminder of Japan's World War II occupation is Unit 731 Museum, which displays the old photos and remains of the Japanese's more than 2,000 prisoners of war.
One of China's biggest skating rinks is Yabuli, the site of the 1996 Asian Winter Games. There are also many fitness clubs, saunas, and public baths in the town to cater to health buffs. Studying Mandarin in Harbin is likewise a popular activity as the town is reputed for its standard Mandarin pronunciation and schools that offer Mandarin lessons at cheaper rates than those in Beijing.
Every August, Harbin Beer Festival takes place with lots of concerts and drinking contests in honor of the city's most famous export, hapi (Harbin beer). Held every two years, Harbin's Summer Music Festival features free concerts such as Russian piano performances. All-year-round, legions of senior citizens perform the Yangge traditional Chinese dance at the city square. The dancers come with drums and costumes. Oftentimes, they invite tourists to dance along.
Harbin Landmarks:
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