Heilongjiang is located at north most of Chinaand has an area of more than 460,000 square kilometers (177,607 square meters). It borders the provinces of Inner Mongolia to the west, Jilin to the south and Russia on the northeast. Historically it was one of the main gateways from China to Russian and Europe. With a population of over 36.8 million, there are about 35 ethical groups living in Heilongjiang. Among them the most characteristic ethical groups are Hezhe fishermen, Ewenki Hunters and Daur ethnical group, who raises mainly cattles. Their life styles are very different from each others. So if you are interested, you might feel free to spend time with them.
The winters are long and bitter in Heilongjiang and it has a sub-arctic climate. January is the coldest with the temperatures ranging between -31o Celsius to -15o Celsius. It is summers in July and yet the temperature averages between 18o Celsius to 23o Celsius. The summers are short and some times cool. Rain occur mostly during the months of summer.
Many ethnic groups live in Harbin. Man, Korean and Hui take the majority in the ethnic groups. Heilongjiang province is the birthplace of Man People who have many traditional rites. The cheongsam of Man People is popular nationwide. The annual celebration of ice lamps in the parks originates from the Man people's custom of watching ice lamps on January 15 of the lunar year. Korean People have their own customs in daily life. They are good at sports, singing and dancing. Hui People use Chinese language but believe in Islam. Their new-birth babies will get a name from a priest. After they die, they will be cleaned and wrapped with white cloth. They never eat pork and meat of horse, donkey and dog as well as animal blood and animals of natural death. Each year they celebrate three festivals.
Heilongjiang is heavily forested area and is the chief source of lumber in China. Usually Korean pines and other pines are the chief forms of lumber. The cattle of this area are very fertile and provide highest source for the milk amongst all the other province divisions in China. Heilongjiang is rich with natural resources like gold, coal and graphite and other natural minerals. There are oil fields in Daqing which are the important source for the petroleum for China. Heilongjiang is also a very important location of windmills which are used to generate power. Heilongjiang is the northern most part of China. This part of China is an original base for the industries in the People's Republic of China. The industries located here are associated with lumber, coal, the food products, machinery and petroleum. Heilongjiang opens the gates for the trade and commerce between Russia and China.
Harbin is a tourist city with special glamour in northern China. Lying to the north of Changbai Mountains and south of Small Xing'an Mountains, with Songhua River running across its middle part. There are 7 districts and 12 counties (cities) in Harbin. It is the biggest city among provincial capitals in China covering an area of 56,000 square kilometers and with a total population of 9.6 million (3.8 million in the city proper). As the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, it is the center of politics, economy, science & technology, culture and transportation in the northern part of northeast China. Harbin is often poetically called "the pearl under the neck of swan".
Harbin is the most important cities of Heilongjiang. This provincial capital has a lot of mixed cultural variety. Apart from the traditional Chinese and Russian culture, you get to see a lot of modern cultures as well. There are a lot of Christian churches such as the, Catholic, Russian Orthodox and Protestant churches throughout Harbin.
Songhua River originates from the Heavenly Lake in Changbai Mountains and makes a swift turn in the southeast part of Heilongjiang Province. Thus, Harbin gradually came into existence at 125°42′-130°10′ east longitude and 44°04′-46°41′ north latitude.
The Amur valley is found in the northern border. The other interior parts are mostly in the low altitudes and are flat lands. Many rivers like the Nen River, the Songhua River and the Mudan River and all tributaries of the Amur flow on these flatlands. Along with Russia's Primorsky Krai in the border, you can see the Khanka Lake or the Xingkai Lake.
The national Ski Festival is a wonderful program for those who like skiing; and the national Ice Festival displays the exquisite art of ice carvings and its elegant masterpieces. Both festivals are held annually from December to January.
Harbin Economic and Trade Fair is one of the large-scale regional fairs under the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic cooperation. Initiated in 1990 and hosted by provincial and Harbin governments, it is a comprehensive commercial fair involving imports and exports. Each year, the business guests from home and abroad will take part to pursue trade and economic cooperation here. Located at the central part of northeast Asia, Harbin is an important port for the trade with Russia.
The unique snow and ice natural resources, magnificent ice and snow sculpturing art and various kinds of snow and ice related sports or relaxation of Harbin City makes it a perfect resort for snow and ice related activities.
Celebration of Snow Sculpture is held annually in the parks. The city and castle made of snow stand high and erect and command a magnificent view, resembling items of silver and jade.
Winter Swimming is a quite popular sport in Harbin. The swimmers do swimming in the icy water in winter while the other people look on wearing thick clothes. Combining bodybuilding and performance, winter swimming is, in a sense, a combat against the chilly weather. Therefore, many tourists consider it as an incredible sport by brave people.
Heilongjiang is rich with natural resources like gold, coal and graphite and other natural minerals. There are oil fields in Daqing which are the important source for the petroleum for China. Heilongjiang is also a very important location of windmills which are used to generate power.
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