Harbin

Harbin is 660 mi/1,100 km northeast of Beijing which was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia because it served as the terminus for the Trans-Siberian Railway. Nowaday the Harbin is a industrial city which has lost much of its cultural distinctiveness. The main attractions are the gigantic swimming pool, Dreamworld near the Singapore Hotel and the town's renowned ice-sculpting competition in Zhaolin Park. Dont miss the handicraft factory for jade and stone carvings, the city's picturesque surroundings hills, mountains, the Children's Park and the Songhua River.