The Second-Best Summer Resort in China, Second Only to Guiyang, with Russian Flavor Everywhere, Recommended Free Walking Route

Harbin is more often talked about in winter. Although it's not the coldest city in China, located in the northeast of the Northeast, it is not an exaggeration to call it the most unique 'Ice City'.

Ice and Snow World, the amusement stalls on the Songhua River, Madi'er ice pops on Central Street, candied hawthorn sticks, frozen pears, frozen fish... Which of these unique labels of Harbin are not related to 'ice'?

When I explored Harbin deeply, I found that it is not just an ice city with heavy snow; summer is also beautiful and comfortable. The short summer follows the long winter, usually only one and a half to two months, and by the end of October, early winter quietly descends upon the city.

Perhaps because Harbin's summer is fleeting, it is particularly charming. With summer breezes only in the twenties (degrees Celsius) accompanied by drifting clouds, it is cool and pleasant. Walking along the streets of Harbin, you can easily capture Russian flavor and the warmth of northeastern people. This is a small blessing different from winter.

No wonder Harbin always ranks among the top summer resort cities; last year it was second only to Guiyang. It's a pity that most tourists choose winter to experience snow and extreme cold, missing the other side. This time I will share a personal favorite summer walking route in Harbin: Central Street – Songhua River – Sun Island, to experience the intersection of ice and enthusiasm.

Central Street is located in the heart of Harbin. It is to Harbin what Wangfujing Street is to Beijing and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is to Shanghai. As a city landmark, people routinely come here to shop and stroll, slightly 'old-fashioned', yet it allows you to taste the city's rhythm at first glance. Moreover, it records Harbin's hundred-year history.

This street, built almost at the same time as Harbin city, gathered thousands of Chinese laborers for the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, and was originally named 'China Street'. Later, the city thrived because of the railway, more and more Chinese came, and foreigners seeing business opportunities began to open shops and do business on the street. Various European-style buildings line both sides of the street.

Now walking along Central Street, a short stretch of just over a kilometer, there are still more than a hundred buildings in Western Renaissance, Baroque, Eclecticism and other styles remaining, more like an art architecture corridor. This has attracted some artists to create here, lining up to draw portraits for passersby.

Among these European-style buildings, there are also many Russian shops, such as the famous Madi'er ice pops, Huamei Restaurant, Qiulin Lidaosi red sausage, and Dà Liěba bread, all time-honored foods.

I remember the first time I came to Harbin, local friends always suggested I bring back red sausage from Central Street as a gift. Actually, it is not exactly the traditional flavor preferred by Chinese; it was introduced from Lithuania after the completion of the Chinese Eastern Railway.

Another major feature of Central Street is the square stones paved on the ground. They are shaped and sized like small Russian bread, round and shiny. Don't underestimate these stones. It is said that back then, one square stone cost the equivalent of one silver dollar. The entire street is paved with about 870,000 stones, which can be said to be a road paved with 'gold', extremely rare in road history at home and abroad.

Compared to the biting cold of Central Street in winter, summer is more colorful. During the day, you see floral skirts and enthusiastic faces coming in the breeze; at night, Russian songs drift in your ears, as Russians perform instrumental and dance shows. If lucky, you might even encounter a beer festival. Exotic charm and music are the summer themes of this city, living up to the name 'Little Paris of the East'.

Strolling slowly along Central Street, you come to an underpass. Crossing it, the Songhua River is right across. Not to mention the natural scenery of the Songhua River, even the cultural landscape of the tree-lined road along the river is enough to keep me occupied for a long time.

Uncles playing accordion by the river, a choir humming tunes, interesting graffiti on trees, waterfowl fluttering on the river, and couples leaning together watching the clouds roll and unroll—all I see is the leisure of this city.

The most beautiful thing is to sit by the river, gazing at the Binzhou Railway Bridge in the sunset. This is the earliest railway bridge over the Songhua River, and also the first river-crossing bridge in Harbin. Many old Harbin natives affectionately call it the 'Old River Bridge'. It has witnessed the opening of the Chinese Eastern Railway and the urban changes of Harbin.

Now the bridge is completely preserved as a cultural relic and has become a sightseeing pedestrian bridge. Although there is no longer the thrill of trains roaring past, its silhouette in the sunset is still enchanting, contrasting with the lush trees on the opposite bank, outlining the new and old of Harbin.

By the Songhua River, you can buy tickets for Sun Island, walk across the bridge to the other side, or take a cable car between the city and Sun Island. Each way is a good choice for viewing the Songhua River. I prefer walking to Sun Island across the bridge, watching the sparkling river surface and imagining its frozen winter appearance, as if two different worlds.

Visiting Sun Island is definitely a must-do for Harbin locals in summer. As early as the 1980s, the theme song 'On Sun Island' from 'Summer of Harbin' sung by Zheng Xulan spread the scenery of Sun Island across the country, and also attracted tourists from neighboring countries.

This only 5A scenic area in Harbin is actually a river island wetland. At high water levels it becomes an archipelago, at low water levels it becomes a peninsula or full island, connecting Harbin's new and old city. In this wetland, you can often see flocks of birds flying in low formation, making it a unique 'green lung' in the city center. No ticket is needed to enter the scenic area.

Perhaps because winter is too long, Harbin people must seize the day in summer. Deer, pond herons, and spot-billed ducks are active on the island, lotus flowers are in full bloom in the ponds, and the grass and woods are strewn with Harbin beer, red sausage, and pickled cucumbers. People freely enjoy the picturesque scenery. At this moment, I have long forgotten that this is still an 'Ice City'.

When I came to Harbin, I stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel Harbin, about 10 minutes' drive from Sun Island Scenic Area, standing in the core area of Songbei District by the Songhua River. It is not only the first JW Marriott in Harbin but also the first in the three northeastern provinces.

Because Songbei District is a new area of Harbin, there are fewer tourists compared to the old city, and the streets are quiet. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to attractions, making it very convenient to go to Sun Island or Central Street.

What I liked most was the huge floor-to-ceiling glass in the guest room, offering a panoramic view of the Songhua River. After a day of strolling in the city, soaking in the bathtub while enjoying the river view—nothing could be more delightful.

Some images are from the internet.