Situated in the far north of China close to the vast sub-Siberian plains. Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, China's most northern province. Nowadays, Haerbin is best known for its Ice Lantern Festival, which is a world-famous ice sculpture display held annually each winter.

Located on the endless Manchurian plains, Heilongjiang is known for its vast stands of forests, among the largest left in the Far East. The province borders Russia with the Black Dragon River (better known by its Russian name, the Amur).