Harbin Spring Travel Guide (with Flower Viewing Times) Part 1

Harbin's spring is very short; if you're not careful, you'll miss the little surprises it brings.

Ice and snow melt, everything revives, and the city's streets and alleys are full of vitality.

This is the perfect time for a family outing, enjoying flowers and stepping on the green grass.

1. Winter jasmine: Blooming in early to mid-April, lasting 50 days

Recommended viewing spots: Harbin Amusement Park, Zhaolin Park, Stalin Park, Jiuzhan Park

2. Apricot blossoms, Beijing peach blossoms, pear blossoms: Blooming in mid-to-late April, lasting 7-10 days

Recommended viewing spots:

Apricot blossoms: Harbin Engineering University, Guxiang Park, Pingshan Shenlu, Stalin Park

Beijing peach blossoms: Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Stalin Park, Pingfang Park

Pear blossoms: Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Ancient Pear Garden

3. Azalea (Rhododendron simsii): Blooming in late April to early May, lasting 60 days

Recommended viewing spots: Songfeng Mountain, Hengtou Mountain, Erlong Mountain

4. Roses, Siberian elm-leaf peonies: Blooming in early May, lasting 20 days and 10 days respectively

Recommended viewing spots:

Roses: Harbin University of Commerce

Siberian elm-leaf peonies: Harbin Engineering University, Zhaolin Park, Jiuzhan Park, Botanical Garden

5. Peonies, roses: Blooming in mid-May, lasting 40 days

Recommended viewing spots: Heilongjiang Provincial Forest Botanical Garden

Recommended viewing spots: Harbin Amusement Park, Heilongjiang Provincial Forest Botanical Garden

6. Tulips, lilacs: Blooming in late May, lasting 30 days and 10-14 days respectively

Recommended viewing spots:

Tulips: Heilongjiang Provincial Forest Botanical Garden

Lilacs: Heilongjiang Provincial Forest Botanical Garden, Sun Island, Lilac Park

1. Taikong Strawberry Picking Garden

The quality of strawberries is quite good, and the service attitude is excellent. Picking fresh strawberries on-site is very enjoyable. The strawberry garden offers both food and fun, with great service, making it perfect for bringing kids along! Various vegetables are also planted here, and summer barbecue facilities with full equipment are provided for free.

Address: Hongqi Township, Jinxing Village (Shaolin Martial Arts School)

2. Manjia Strawberry Picking Garden

The strawberries at Manjia Strawberry Picking Garden are very sweet with juicy flesh. If you're lucky, you might have the entire greenhouse to yourself.

Address: No. 146 Xiangfu Road, Xiangfang District (Beidahuang Ecological Park)

3. Jinqiaoyuan Strawberry Picking

The strawberry garden is well-maintained, with lush green strawberry plants bearing plump, bright red fruits. The strawberries are sweet, clean, and fresh, and the owner is very friendly. If you plan to have lunch there, it's recommended to book in advance.

Address: Xinglong Village, Wanggang Town, Xinglong Road (at the entrance of Xinglong Road on Bus Route 381)

The route is short and flat, ending at Sun Island Wetland. Suitable for cycling groups aiming for park recreation: watching squirrels, breathing fresh air, sightseeing, and other activities.

Route: Jiangpan Road – Songhua River Bridge – Sun Island

2. Yangmingtan Bridge

Suitable for advanced cyclists. Ride around 'One Lake and Three Islands', enjoying wetland scenery along the way. Cross two river bridges, spotting river gulls and other wetland birds.

Route: Qunli Avenue – Yangmingtan Bridge – Zhongyuan Avenue – Songhua River Bridge

3. Qunli New District

A rare urban area with few motor vehicles and wide streets. The roads in Qunli New District are clean and well-regulated. To the south are high-rise buildings, to the north are wetlands. You can pass by attractions like Music Square and Guandong Ancient Alley, enjoying cycling fun without leaving the city.

Route: Youyi Road – Youyi West Road – Qunli New District

1. Sun Island Scenic Area

Open spaces at the main gate square of Sun Island, near Gate 3, and at Shuige Yuntian scenic spot are ideal for flying kites.

2. People's Square in front of Harbin Municipal Government

The area is spacious and windy, suitable for any kite. However, if the wind is too strong, it's best not to fly kites larger than 2 square meters to avoid being dragged by the kite.

3. Lilac Park in Qunli New District

The square in the park is not only spacious but also flat, with no tall buildings around and low trees. The wind is moderate, making it the best place for kite flying.

4. Music Square in Qunli New District

The wind at the square is moderate, especially suitable for flying sport kites.

To be continued...