Harbin introduced its main tourist attractions to the public during a promotion event during National Tourism Day, on May 19.

It recommended attractions divided into four major themes for tourists to enjoy over the summer:

Ecological City

For many years, Harbin has been ranked one of the “Top Ten Summer Cities in China” and is a world-renowned summer resort city.

The city will take advantage of its rich natural environment represented by wetlands, forests, and flora and fauna to promote outdoor activities.

The main tourist attractions include Sun Island scenic area, Hulan Hekou Wetland Park, Binjiang Wetland and other major wetland scenic spots.

Also open for visiting are many famous mountains around the city, as well as the rich wildlife and plant life available to see at attractions such as the Northeast Tiger Forest Park and Lavender Manor.

City of Music

At the beginning of the 20th century, the influx of Western classical music into Harbin heavily influenced the city’s arts scene.

In 2010, Harbin won the title of “City of Music” awarded by the United Nations, becoming the only city in Asia to receive the honor.

Harbin will rely on its musical heritage to create an artistic atmosphere and promote the integration of tourism with the fashion industry.

Music can be heard all around the city in old streets and squares.

There are also major performance venues such as Harbin Grand Theatre and Harbin New Concert Hall.

Fashion City

Harbin has traditionally been a bridgehead for cultural exchanges between China and the West. And the diverse culture of the city has influenced the city’s fashion.

There are regular fashion and cultural festivals, as well as sports events. The city has numerous hot springs and theme parks, such as Wanda City and Poseidon Beach Water World –– providing a wide range of leisure activities to suit all tastes.

There are also sports activities including marathon events, a motorboat festival and a sailing festival.

City of Memory

Harbin sits at an intersection of the middle reaches of Songhua River.

In the eastern regions, hunting remains a popular pastime in Sushen, Yilou, Wuji, Mohe, and among the Nvzhen ethnic group. In the central regions, there is a fishing and hunting culture among the tribes of Mo, Fuyu and Wozu.

Large railway construction projects in the early 20th century brought many different nationalities and cultures to Harbin, giving the city a European influence and an architectural legacy very different from most Chinese cities. As a result, Harbin is often dubbed “Oriental Paris” or “Oriental Moscow”.

Harbin aims to promote its featured buildings and neighborhoods such as Central Street, Sophia Church, Chinese Baroque Street, Volga House, Gogol Bookstore and Guandong Ancient Lane.