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The four seasons are distinct in Harbin. The winter is long and cold. The summer is short and
hot. The spring and autumn belongs to the transitional seasons, they only last for a short time. The temperature changes quickly in these two seasons. Although the summer is short, it's relatively cool. Harbin is a good summer resort.
From December to next January when the weather is frozenly cold is the best time to enjoy the
area's ice and snow and the relative activities.
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Transportation is quite convenient. It takes 40 minutes from the airport to downtown.
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The restaurant has been chosen one of the top 50 restaurants is HeiLongJiang Province. Here you can taste real north-east China food. Deer meat hot pot, typical northeast China Jiaozi, sliced pork, sour cabbage and rice noodles... all so yummy.
The most famous taste offer you sauce pork bones. Using a straw to suck the juice inside the bone. Yammy! Originally people tought it might be fleshy, but it really is a nice dish.
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The shop set the price rather high than the price they bought the product. They can tell your
accent from the local and the tourists. Make 80% off price-cut. If the owner is unhappy add up RMB 5 to RMB 10 each time you bid. If the owner is not so un happy, you may cut more price. Do not show how much you adore the product. Compare more place. Buying gifts on the road instead of in the shop.
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In winter, traffic is a big issue in Harbin. There are some look-to-be-fancy services around. Like riding a horse to cross the frozen river, a hitchhikerto to some unfrequented area, ect. Watch out when you are about to do this. The horse guy are trend to charge you more if you are foreign visitors, well, it is true all over China. As per hitchhiker, they might be dangerous since it is not that safe in a unfrequented area in damn cold winter. Do use more public transportation (taxi) or contact local travel agency for traffic service. The hotel you stay will also be helpful finding you a driver if you are not confined inside the city.
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Winter in Harbin used to be bitter cold! As you visit the city on late January, temperatures there were about -18F (or -30C) with a sensation of about -40F (-40C) sometimes... during the evening and night. You need plenty of pullovers, gloves, socks, a good winter boot and a good jacket to "survive".
Take also some medicine in the case of a unexpected cold. Of course, photo equipment resistant enough to work in such low temperatures... Some friends during the trip had problems with their cameras because they have simply frozen! Keep spare batteries, cell phones and cameras warm in case that it's too cold that they won't work.
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Yes. In Harbin, both Putonghua and English are the languages of bussiness. So, if you travel to China for business purpose, you can usually communicate with the chinese merchants in simple English. However, Putonghua is an official language of China. Most of the Chinese merely speak Putonghua with the outsiders. So, if you want to visit China but cannot speak Putonghua, you will find inconvenient. Therefore, it is essential and useful for you to learn some simple Putonghua when you decide to visit China.
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Ice Lantern Festival in Zhaolin Park (held from early January to late February) Harbin Music Festival, a 12-day event that takes place in July.
Lantern Festival: It marks the end of the Chinese New Year Season. Lantern exhibits, lion and dragon dances, and eating Tang Yuan (ball-shaped boiled sweet rice dumplings with delicious stuffings) are events today. It is very much celebrated in the rural areas by farmers.
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- Ambulance: 120
- Emergencies: 110
- Fire: 119
- Tel No. Enquiry: 114
- Police: 110
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Yes. Harbin time is as same as Beijing time. In October, the sun gets up at 7:00 in the morning and at 17:30 it is dark. Most Malls are open untill 21:00. Diner starts at 17.00 but some restaurants stay open untill late in the evening.