China (Haerbin, Heilonjiang) Aug/Sept 2011

Map of Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

Total cost incurred (3 days): Y463 (Rm222)

Hostel: Kazy International Youth Hostel - Y80 (dorm x 2 night)
Tianjin City Youth Hostel - Y45
Train: Tianjin>Harebin - Y158 (hard seat)
Airport bus: Y10
Bus: Y8
Boat ride : Y10
Food: Y89
Sundries: Y63

Heilongjiang (Black Dragon River) formerly known as Manchuria was under Russia in mid 1880's. Japan occupied Heilongjiang in 1930's until WW11.

Harbin, the capital of 3.5m people is linked by rail to Vladivostok, the start of the Tran-Siberian train ride from north eastern Russia. Siberian tiger, dinosaur skeletons, germ warfare base, ice scultures, bitterly cold winter of -30c, Russian architecture - I came to Haerbin in August 2011 as a first warm-up visit to this northern province of China....... I love to see Harbin in January (winter time) but it will probably remain as a dream !

1) Harbin train station, Heilongjiang

2) Heilongjiang Provincial Museum, Harbin - free admission, dinosaur skeletons, & historical relic exhibits.

3) Church of St Sophia, Harbin, Heilongjiang - an iconic site in Haerbin

4) Daoliqu commercial district, Harbin, Heilongjiang - dominated with architectural buildings with a strong Russian influence

5) Stalin Park & Flood Control Monument, Harbin, Heilongjiang

6) Boat ride (Y10) from Stalin Park > Sun Island Park, Harbin, Heilongjiang. 

7) Sun Island Park, Harbin, Heilongjiang

The secret of Life: When you are young, you use your health to chase your wealth. When you are old, you use your wealth to buy back your health "