This northeast province, which derived its name from the Heilongjiang, the longest river that runs through it, is home to 49 ethnic peoples with original customs and habits, including the Hans, Manchus, Koreas, Mongols, Tahurs, Sibos, Owenks, Olunchuns and Hezhes. A distinctive geological landform and peculiar climate combine to turn Heilongjiang into a fabulous primitive-looking bio-tourist destination. The ice lantern and ice sculpture shows, playing up a riot of colours; the Greater and Lesser Hingan mountains, soaring to unbelievable heights before plunging to a vast rolling country; the Sanjiang Plain, stretching from horizon to horizon; the marshlands, cocooned under a blanket of green verdure; the Heilongjiang River, winding its way along the borderline; meadowlands, rippling like an ocean dyed the colour of emerald, all these have been reasons why Heilongjiang Province is such a favorite destination for travelers from around the world. Millions flock to this land of unique tourist allure and ideal summer resort, to indulge in more than 30 tourist programs that enable them to sample the Eurasian architecture of Harbin, the cultural scene of the Daqing Oilfield, venture beyond the Chinese border, go hunting in dense woods, or, if it is winter, go skiing or skating in subfreezing temperatures.
Harbin
Harbin is capital of Heilongjiang Province and the trading centre of the northern part of northeast China. Songhua River flows across the city, nicknamed "Ice City" and "Snow City" because it lies under ice and snow for as long as four months in winter. A lot of buildings in the city are in European styles. Every year visitors for such annual events as Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, "Summer of Harbin" Concert, and Harbin Economic and Trade Talks.
Sun Island
The Sun Island on the northern shore of Songhua River in downtown Harbin is a 38-square-km affair covered with sand dunes. In summer it is a well-known holiday making resort, while in winter it puts on a magnificent look. The island is the site of an international snow carving competition, which takes place every January.
Ice and Snow Tours
With long winters, Heilongjiang Province is a major winter sports and sightseeing centre in china. Ice sculptures, snow carvings, and snow scenes attract large number of visitors to Harbin, Yabuli, Yuquan, the Jingpo Lake and Taoshan Mountain, where facilities are also available for such activities as winter swimming, ice surfing, sledging, skating and skiing.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Time: January 5 - February 5
Venue: Harbin
What's On : Ice lantern show, snow sculpture display, and international ice and snow sculpture competitions, winter swimming, ice hockey, speed-skating, alpine skiing, ice-and-snow motion picture festival, folklore singing and dancing, wedding on-the-ice.