Harbin Travel Tips & FAQs

1. What is the weather like in Harbin and when is the best time to travel there?
Harbin, "the City of Ice", has a wonderful monsoon climate. Winter is long and summer is short. It is very cold in winter. So the best time to travel to Harbin is summer. Harbin is a good place to protect from the heat in summer. However, more and more people like to travel to Harbin in winter, especially for the amazing Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

2. What should I take along with me while traveling to Harbin?
It is recommended that you bring comfortable shoes. You will undoubtedly be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. If it is in summer, sunscreen is recommended, as well as carrying bottled water with you. If you are a photography lover, do not forget your camera, film, and batteries, or you will never forgive yourself. If it is in winter, do not forget to bring thick coats with you. It is very cold outside.

3. What kind of vehicles is available for getting around in Harbin?
In Harbin, there are many options for getting around, such as taxis, buses, minibusses, pedicabs and of course your private car. There are also cars and bikes for rent.

4. What are accommodations like?
There are many kinds of hotels in Harbin from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels. For the 5-star hotels, we recommend the Shangri-La Hotel. There are also many small hotels which are clean and pleasant.

5. What cuisine options are there in Harbin? Are there other options besides only local foods?
The cuisine available in Harbin is quite diverse. The local food in Harbin has an almost endless variety and is far more delicious than anything you can find in a "Chinese" restaurant in the west. We highly suggest you try the foods. We are fairly certain you will love it. There are also many Western restaurants in Harbin as well as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and KFC.

6. What are the currency and the ATM system in Harbin like?
Foreign currencies cannot be used directly in Harbin, but you can exchange your money at the many Bank of China outlets throughout the province. Most major hotels in Harbin will accept major credit cards. Your hotels also can change money for you and ATMs are easy to find.

7. Will there be problems with the language barrier?
Visitors to Harbin do not need to worry about the language barrier. Each visitor will have an English-speaking tour guide, and most of the staff in the star-rated hotels can speak English.

8. What are the best venues for shopping?
Jingyu Street, Guo Geli Avenue, Xuefu Street, the Garden Street are all good places for shopping.

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