About Harbin
WELCOME TO Harbin
Harbin (help·info) (simplified Chinese: 哈尔滨; traditional Chinese: 哈爾濱; pinyin: Hāěrbīn; Wade-Giles: Ha-erh-pin; Russian Харби́н (help·info) Kharbin) is a sub-provincial city and the capital of the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. It lies on the southern bank of the Songhua River. A major commercial, industrial, and transportation center, it is situated in a productive farming region. Harbin is ranked as the tenth largest city in China, serving as a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications center of Northeastern China.
CLIMATE
Located in the temperate zone, Harbin has four distinct seasons. Harbin has a mainland monsoon climate throughout the year with the largest annual temperature range in China. Summer is quite comfortable.
Average temperature in Harbin
Month |
Average temperature(℃) |
Average |
|
the highest temperature(℃) |
the lowest temperature(℃) |
||
4 |
6.0 |
12.7 |
-0.3 |
5 |
14.3 |
21.1 |
7.4 |
6 |
20.0 |
25.9 |
14.1 |
7 |
22.8 |
28.0 |
18.1 |
8 |
21.1 |
20.4 |
16.2 |
WHAT TO WEAR
The climate in July encourages informal dressing and few places require a jacket and tie for gentlemen. Visitors should bring the lightest summer wear. For men, open-necked shirts and lightweight slacks are ideal. For formal functions, lounge suites for gentlemen are also recommended. Lightweight summer dresses, slacks and tops will be suitable for day wear for ladies. All hotels and shopping centers are air-conditioned, so a long sleeve shirt for men and a light wrap for ladies is advisable, especially in the evening.
POPULATION AND LANGUAGES
Harbin has the population of about 600 million. Chinese takes up around 95%. The official language is Chinese but most young people can speak simple English.
TRANSPORTATION
The Bus Public transportation provides access for visitors to most areas of the city. You can buy a card, which can be used on all buses. Alternatively, you can buy the ticket when boarding buses and the ticket is quite cheap (only RMB1~2 Yuan every time)
There are many taxis, which can be hired from the taxi stands or roadside. At the Harbin Taiping international airport, there are many taxis in queue. There is no extra charge except for an express way toll (RBM 20 Yuan). You may also wish to take the Airport Shuttle to the City with a charge of 20 Yuan per passenger. The operating hours depends on the flight information. The shuttle buses will be always available as far as the plane lands. The shuttle ticket (only RMB cash is accepted) can be bought at ticket counter locating at the arrival hall.
AIRPORT TAX
Tax is around RMB120 Yuan.
BANKING/CURRENCY
The currency in China is Renminbi (RMB) and the unit is the Yuan. (US$1.00 = Approx. 6.8 Yuan) Notes come in denominations of 1、5、10、20, 50 and 100 Yuan.
Coins come in denominations of 1 and 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 0830 hrs to 1600 hrs. Saturdays and Sundays: 0830 hrs to 1500 hrs
Most banks and hotels provide the money exchange service. Passports are required when foreign money is changed to Renminbi. A nominal commission may be charged.
CREDIT/CHARGE CARD
Credit cards are accepted in Hotels, restaurants and big shopping malls
FOOD & SHOPPING
There are many Chinese restaurants and some western restaurants in Harbin. You may taste the various food from south to north of China. You can also find some Korean and Japanese restaurants in Harbin.
There are some shopping centers selling the Chinese, Russian products or some local special products such as furs, deer antler products and Siberian ginseng, a Chinese herb. The best specialty shops are found in the Daoli District, which is close to the SonghuaRiver , and the area of Qiulin Department Store in the Nangang District.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Visitors must have passport valid for three months from the time of arrival. Visas are also required for a stay for foreigners. Please get invitation letters from us. Regarding the Visa application, please contact the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate Office in your country or refer to website http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/default.htm. If you need an invitation letter for Visa application, please contact Dr Yibin Li (liyibin@hit.edu.cn).
ELECTRICITY
In China, voltage for electricity is 220 - 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Police 110 (no charge)
Ambulance Emergency 120 (no charge)
Fire Emergency 119 (no charge)