Sightseeing in Russia....Chinese for Work Trip to Harbin

My latest work assignment required me to get in bed with the Reds. Both of them. The city of Harbin (that's Harrrbeeen to you) is as close as Steve Hazy will ever allow me to come to the Russian border. The PRC meets the Soviet Union in this permanently cold Sino-Russian capital of Heilongjiang Province. My work assignment was to engage in 2 days of reconnaissance work throughout the city to ensure that back in the HK office we could more deftly write an accurate market study of Harbin. This translates as sightseeing and food critiquing.

My humidity-acclimatized body almost shriveled up at my first inhalation of the dry, cool Harbin air. I might have even developed a wrinkle or two. Although the wrinkles might just have been a result of the stress induced by an 8 hour flight delay in Beijing coupled with some memorable interactions with the always delightful Mainland air travelers. Despite my recent sourness towards the PRC, Harbin was actually quite an interesting and [relatively] scenic city with quite an intriguing history. Once a hub of Russian economic activity, the Russian influence is still strongly evident throughout the city's architecture - whether it be authentic early 20th Century Russian buildings, or kitschy Chinese interpretations of them. The Russian influence was also manifested in the cuisine, with the most famous Harbin foods being bread, sausages, and dumplings...all my favorites.


Harbin is most famous for its internationally renowned Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival which takes place every January and February...an event that is no doubt a once-in-a-lifetime, but one that I won't be sad to miss due to my strong aversion to cold weather. Thank goodness for indoor ice sculpture exhibitions which allowed me to experience the best of Harbin's winter culture in the middle of pleasant summer weather.

disclaimer: Chinese loaner parka

Snow Buddha

After 2 days of over-the-top-in-your-face Harbin immersion + hours and hours of reading up on the region, I'm considering adding "Northeastern China expert" to my resume.... you know you're jealous.