Harbin and Vitebsk became sister cities on January 4, 2012.

Vitebsk was established in 974 AD in northeast Belarus, as the capital of Vitebsk Oblast. It is a key traffic hub and industrial and cultural center,   and a total of 300 industrial enterprises, 80 large firms, and 5 universities are located in the city. Known as the capital of art, Vitebsk attracts many renowned writers, painters and musicians. The International Arts Festival of Slavonic Bazaar and the Chagall International Art Week are held in the city annually.

Harbin and Vitebsk began friendly exchanges in 2008, with the help of the embassy of the Republic of Belarus in China.

A delegation of Vitebsk business representatives led by the  Deputy Minister of Industry,  attended the 22th China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair from  June 15 to17, 2011.

The Mayor of Vitebsk, Victor Nicolaykin Pavlovich, led a delegation to Harbin to attend the Ice and Snow Festival in January 2012.