The Harbin government launched its platform to publicize government data on Dec 27, making a forward step towards the building of an intelligent city.

Citizens of Harbin can log onto the platform (http://data.harbin.gov.cn) to obtain information such as which road junctions have bayonet velocity measurements, the enrollment marks of key high schools in Harbin and whether the new house you want to buy has a permit for presale or not.

Data from a total of 18 government departments has been opened to the public, involving information related to business, health, traffic, education and livelihood.

What the public are most concerned with is information about air quality, including data for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particles.

Additional data from government departments will be made public on the platform, according to the Harbin Industry and Information Technology Commission (HIITC).

The government will also protect people’s privacy through data masking.

Opening data to the public will not only bring conveniences to Harbin residents, but will also promote innovation and entrepreneurship, said an official from HIITC.