Heilongjiang is the northernmost province of the People's Republic of China. In the north and east, the Heilongjiang and Ussuri rivers form the border with Russia. In the actual settlement area of the Manchus, only 3% of the recognized ethnic minority live today, while 95% of the population are Han Chinese. The cityscape of the provincial capital Harbin is characterized by Russian restaurants and shops, giving it a Russian flair: at the end of the 19th century and after the October Revolution, many Russians lived here.
Heilongjiang is a region with a diverse topography. A large part of the province is dominated by mountain ranges, with the highest mountain being Datudingzi at 1,690 meters on the border with Jilin province. The Khingan Mountains contain China's largest remaining virgin forest, which is an important area for Chinese forestry. The inner province is relatively flat and is crossed by numerous rivers, all tributaries of the Amur Basin. To the north stretches the Xiaoxingan Mountains.
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, is located in the Songliao Plain along the middle reaches of the Songhua River. Harbin is known for its beautiful landscapes in the surrounding area and the Russian architectural style of many buildings in the city center. Especially in winter, Harbin attracts numerous tourists from both domestic and international locations. During this time, the city hosts the annual Snow and Ice Festival, which garners global attention.
Other attractions in Harbin include the Sun Island on the Songhua River and the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Northeast China.
Harbin Taiping International Airport is the largest airport in northeastern China, located approximately 37 kilometers southwest of Harbin city. International routes have been offered since 1984, and the airport continues to undergo expansion.
Several bus services operate around the clock from the airport to the city center, with plans in place to connect the airport to the rail network.
Mudanjiang Hailang Airport is situated near the city center on the opposite side of the river. It serves numerous domestic and international flights.
