Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省; Hēilóngjiāng) is in the far northeast of China. The province is famous for its fierce winters, snow and ice festivals and Russian influence.

Regions

Cities

• Harbin - capital of Heilongjiang Province and a city with Russian influence and a winter snow festival

• Acheng
• Daqing - a city famed for the nearby oilfields
• Heihe - a port on the Black Dragon River facing Blagoveshchensk
• Jiamusi
• Jixi - an industrial city in the east of the province
• Mohe
• Mudanjiang - gateway to Eastern Heilongjiang Province
• Qiqihar
• Shuangyashan (双鸭山)
• Suifenhe
• Yichun

Other destinations

• Jingpohu National Forest Park - clear reflections of the tree-lined coast and small islands gives this lake the nickname of Mirror lake
• Wudalianchi National Forest Park - nature reserve and health spa destination
• Yabuli - one of the largest skiing areas in China and venue for the 1996 Asian Winter Games
• Zhalong National Nature Reserve - peaceful wetlands home to 260 species of birds
• Ilan Boo - the last area in China where the Manchu language is spoken natively

Understand

This northeast province derived its name from the river (Black Dragon River) flowing along the border China has with Russia. A distinctive geological land form and peculiar climate combine to turn Heilongjiang into a fabulous tourist destination.

See

Landmarks and buildings

• Russian buildings — most prominent in Harbin shows the strong Russian influence in the area.

• Temple of Heavenly Bliss — in Harbin is an active Buddhist temple.

Parks and nature

• Siberian Tiger Preserve — in the outskirts of Harbin is home to hundreds of tigers and is a must see.

• Zhaolin Park — in Harbin is home to the city's famous ice sculptures in the winter.

Museums and exhibitions

• Heilongjiang Provincial Museum — in Harbin is not great but big

Do

• Harbin Festivals — Harbin International Snow and Ice Festivals (from 5 January until warm weather) are the main events in the province and worth planning for if you can stand the cold. Harbin is also home to a beer festival (late August) and a music festival (every two years, next one in 2010)

• Heilongjiang River — cruises on the river from Mohe and Heihe. Mohe has the best Aurora Borealis viewing in winter. It is also possible to take a swim in the river

• Skiing — there are a number of skiing resorts in the province, one of the best is in Wofoshan near Jiamusi

Eat

Heilongjiang food is part of the northeastern cooking tradition with many dishes originating from Manchu cuisine. The food here is influenced by the long winters and relies on preserved foods and hearty fare. The staple crop is wheat and not rice and more raw vegetables and fish than elsewhere in China are eaten here.

The most famous specialty from Heilongjiang is the fish banquet based on fish from Heilongjiang River.

The many different types of Russian-style bread.