Harbin

Harbin is located to the north of Beijing, 18 hours away by train and one hour and forty minutes by plane. The old capital of Manchuria, a vast industrial city, has maintained its architectural style, influences by the time of the White Russians. Many Russian tourists go there to do their shopping and barter with the Chinese. The Japanese occupation was particularly savage there. You go to Harbin mainly between January and February (it is easily 30°C!) for the Lantern Festival and the monumental illuminated constructions in snow and ice. You should also see the Siberian Tiger Park.