Heilongjiang Introduction

As the northmost of China's 33 provinces, Heilongjiang, literally "Black Dragon River", is known for its inhospitable, subarctic climate. Although with a territory as large as that of two United Kingdoms, Heilongjiang has a population of less than 38 million people and houses many different nationalities. The province, with its borders on Russian Siberia, has long been one of China's main gateways to Russia and Europe.

The highlight of the province is the natural scenery that abounds here, including lush Siberian pine forests, exotic wild animals, unpolluted rivers and the dreamlike snow world in winter. Geologically, Heilongjiang has been repeatedly ravaged by the volcanoes still abundant in the province, so that today, the unique land relief is a sight to behold. Jingpo Lake and Wudalianchi are both areas in this category, at their best in summer and autumn.

Winter can be, despite the freezing temperatures, a good season to visit the province. The annual Ice Festival in Harbin has always been an event of international fame and is the main reason for most tourists to visit. In winter, when the whole land is covered with snow and ice, the province becomes a haven for winter-sports fans. With the Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang boasts the best skiing facility throughout the country. Hunting can also be arranged in one of the open hunting grounds amongst the primitive forests.

Besides the Han Chinese, Heilongjiang homes several ethnic groups including Korean, Mongolian, Manchu and some less well-known minorities such as the legendary Elunchun hunters, the hidden Hezhe fishermen and Daganer the nomads. Historically, the province has repeatedly been controlled by Mongolians, Manchus, and the Han. In some of the darkest years of China's recent history, the Russians and the Japanese also extended their influence here, both hoping to gain control of the potentially strategic region known in the west as Manchuria. This complicated ethnic situation and multi-national historical background has allowed the colourful culture of Heilongjiang to form and flourish.

Local Features: Winter Wonderland

For history travelers are told to head to Xian, for culture to Beijing, for nightlife Shanghai, for sun most people cite Hainan Island, but for winter sports and snow, it is pretty hard to beat Heilongjiang- China's very own Winter Wonderland!

Swarms of people from southeast Asia gather here in the winter months just to get a glimpse of snow, a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. Starting in mid October, everything that is exposed to the open air quickly gets covered in white. The rivers here quickly turn solid enough for skiing- a popular winter past time.

All manner of winter festivals take place across the province, the climax being on January 15 with the famous winter Ice Festival in Harbin. Winter sports are an integral part of the festivals when the old and young ski on the mountains and sail on the frozen ice.

Best Time To Visit: Climate

Located in the northeastern most part of China, Heilongjiang Province experiences extreme temperatures, particularly in winter. The climate in Harbin is freezing and dry in winter and hot and rainy in summer, with changeable spring and autumn seasons filling the short intervals. The annual average precipitation of the province is 589.6mm and annual average temperature is 1.3°