A Two-Day Harbin Itinerary

We found Harbin so charming that we were delighted to have another day there in warm weather, under blue skies in the summer. It was far easier to wander and enjoy looking at all the old buildings, and there was no wait for the restaurants. There was still the lure of Russian food and bringing home caviar and vodka. If you go, make sure to wander down to the edge of the river to Stalin Park at sunset or later. It seems that all of Harbin is happy to be outside when it is not cold – eating snacks, buying balloons, simply sitting on the steps looking out at the river. Many people were buying red lanterns, inscribing their poems, hopes, and wishes on them, and setting them alight to drift and float in the breezes over the river as darkness came down; joining them is a delightfully romantic way to end a stay in Harbin.