Harbin History

Harbin has a long history, which never has the city walls. With the winding Songhua River passing through, Harbin looks like a pearl gorgeous in northeast of Chinese land with the junction of European civilization and Chinese civilization here. The special geographical location and the historical process create the exotic Harbin beautiful city. The architectural style is unique and charming with much European architecture throughout the city. Not only does meet the northern ethnic history and culture, but also integrates the Chinese and foreign culture.
 

In Ancient China

Harbin is the birthplace for two dynasties about Jin (1115-1234) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty. As early as 22,000 years ago, there had been human activities. About 5,000 years ago, the Harbin region stepped into the new Stone Age. About in the late Shang Dynasty, Harbin entered into Bronze Age. In 1115, the Emperor Taizu of Jin established the regional regime Jin Dynasty, regarding the Huining (Baicheng in Harbin) as the capital. In 1616, the leader Nurhachi of Nvzhen of Jianzhou tribe built the Later Jin Dynasty. In 1636, he changed the title of the country into Qing and moved the capital to Central Plain in 1644. Since then, the area of Harbin had belonged to the imperial court. Firstly, it was called Halabin and gradually called Harbin. At the end of nineteenth century, with the construction of Chinese Eastern Railway, Harbin developed into a modern city rapidly.

In the Modern History

Speaking of Harbin, people often think of the ice and snow scene. Harbin is famous for its Ice Sculpture Festival, Beer Festival and European buildings, which are the epitome of the modern Chinese history.

In June 1896, the Russia forced the Qing government to sign the Sino-Russian treaty of mutual assistance to resist the enemy. And in 1921, another treaty named Sino-Russian secret treaty was announced, which helped the Russia get the right to build Middle East Railway. The Russia decided to set the railway Engineering Department in Harbin, which was the beginning of building Harbin City. That’s why Harbin is called Oriental Moscow. At the beginning of twentieth century, after the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Russia failed and the influence in Harbin gradually weakened. More than 33 countries such as America, Germany, Poland, Japan, France and so on about 16 thousand expatriates immigrated to Harbin. And then Harbin became an international economic, financial and transport center in Northeastern Asia. As the railway was completed, Harbin has formed the rudiment of modern city. At the beginning of twentieth century, Harbin has become an international trading port.

Harbin was an active city for spreading Marx thought and holding movement of workers and students. In 1923, the first party organization in Northeast China was set up in Harbin. In 1927, Harbin held the first national congress in Northeast China and established the Manchurai provisional committee. Harbin had become the command center for revolutionary struggle for Northeast people and anti-Japanese struggle. In 1932, Harbin became a puppet rule. Under the leadership of Chinese Communist Party, the people in Harbin were extremely hard and bitter to struggle with the Japan. In 1945, Harbin was liberated from Japan and the population reached more than 700 thousand. In 1946, Harbin formally established the people’s power and became the first big city to get liberation.
 

In the Contemporary Times

After the founding of new China, Harbin rapidly developed the national economy. During one period, Harbin was one of the key national construction cities. As an important industrial base in China, Harbin quickly transformed from a consumer city into the developing industrial city. Now, it is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and one of the four big cities in northeast China, becoming the center for politics, economy, culture and transportation. In 1994, Harbin was identified as a national historical and cultural city. Now, it is also one of the most developed tourism cities in mainland in China. The best time to visit Harbin is from December to January in the next year. From July to September, it is the best place for visitors to be away from the summer holidays. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and Harbin Summer Music Concert are the most festivals.