Harbin--A Place of Many Contradictions in Northernmost Province

Harbin	Harbin

Harbin (Ha'erbin), capital of Heilongjiang, China's northernmost province, is a place of many contradictions. Travelers are faced with frequently cold and inhospitable climates, but comforted by a warm and friendly population, increasing huge and stark skyscrapers, but also winding streets of quaint, colonial architecture.
Much of the Russian architectures remains standing today and one of the prime attractions of the city is a walk along the Central Street. There are buildings of most European early twentieth-century styles along the length of this cobbled street, which remains today the most popular shopping area of the city. 
While McDonalds, KFC, and Western stores have redecorated most of the interiors, there are some buildings that have survived that kind of unfortunate modernization and still look and feel quite European. 
To the east of the Central Street, surrounded on all sides by modern department stores, you will find the Church of St. Sophia, a lovely Orthodox church that is Harbin's most famous landmark. There are other Orthodox churches you will find around the city center that are worth a few minute's look, though none are as impressive as St. Sophia's. 
Across the Songhua river, taking either the ferry or a taxi, you'll find Sun Island Park, which was once the retreat of choice for Harbin residents in the hot summer. Snow sculpture exhibition is the high point of the winter season. 
If animals are indeed your thing, then you might want to take a look at the Siberian Tiger Park. 
The Ice Lantern Festival held in Zhaolin Park in Daoli district is the fun highlight of the year in Harbin.