The northmost province of China is literally "Black Dragon River". The province, with its borders on Russian Siberia, has long been one of China's main gateways to Russia and Europe.

Despite the freezing temperatures, winter is a good season to visit the province. The annual Ice Festival in Harbin is world famous. In winter, when the land is covered with snow and ice, the province becomes a haven for winter-sports fans. With the Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang boasts the best skiing facility throughout the country. In one of the open hunting grounds among the primitive forests, the tourists are arranged to try hunting like the ethnic groups in ancient times.

Located in the northeastern most part of China, Heilongjiang Province experiences extreme temperatures, particularly in winter. The climate in Harbin is freezing and dry in winter and hot and rainy in summer, with changeable spring and autumn seasons filling the short intervals. The annual average precipitation of the province is 589.6mm and annual average temperature is 1.3ˇăC.

Spring. This province is frequently plagued by drought and gales. There are also swift changes in temperatures and a change of 10ˇăC within a day is common. The average rainfall during this time is 50 to 80 mm, accounting for only 15 per cent of the year's total.

Summer. Heilongjiang is humid and hot during summer. The average temperature in July is 20ˇăC, with  highs as great as 38ˇăC! About 60 to 70 per cent of the annual rainfall (200mm to 400mm) falls during this season.

Autumn. Temperatures in Autumn tend to fall sharply. The average monthly temperature in September is 10ˇăC and rain is more rare.

Winter. Winter is the longest season in Heilongjiang, with the temperature going as low as minus 30ˇăC in January. Rainfall is minimal (just 20mm), mainly occurring in the form of snow.

Any trip to Heilongjiang starts from Harbin, the provincial capital. It is very convenient for travelers to get to Harbin from most domestic and international cities, for details refer to Harbin Transport. The best season to visit Heilongjaing is in winter!!! It may be cold, but this is when all the action takes place! The following itinerary is planned for a winter trip, lasting about 10 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Harbin, visit Stalin Park and the Flood Control Monument in the morning. After lunch, visit the Sun Island Recreational Center and spend the evening at the fabulous Ice Lantern Festival in Zhaolin Park. Stay overnight in Harbin.

Day 2: Visit Jile Temple and the Germ Warfare Memorial Hall in the morning. In the afternoon and evening take a leisurely walk around Daoli District (Little Moscow), visiting the impressive St.Sofia Orthodox Church.

Day 3: Take an early train or bus to  Yuquan Hunting Ground during the day. If this is not your thing, head straight to the Yabuli Ski Resort.

Day 4: Ski in Yabuli Ski Resort for a full day, stay at the ski resort.

Day 5: Take an early train or bus to Mudanjiang city (3 hours) and a local bus from here to Jingpo Lake Area. Visit the lake,and  Diaoshuilou Waterfall. Stay  in one of the hotels at the Jingpo Lake tourist region overnight.

Day 6: Visit the Underground Forest and the Lava Tunnel in the morning, take a bus back to Mudanjiang and then a train back to Harbin in the afternoon. Stay in Harbin overnight.

Day 7: Take a morning train to Bei'an (7 hours),and a local tourist bus from here to Wudalianchi in the afternoon. Stay overnight in one of the tourist guesthouses in the Yaoquan Resort beside the lake.

Day 8: Visit the Five Lakes and the Old Black Hill in the day. Take a   bus back to Wudalian City and stay overnight here.

Day 9: Take a bus and then train back to Harbin, thus completing the Heilongjiang tour.

By air:
Harbin is the provincial capital of Heilongjiang and is the starting point for any travelers in the province. Harbin Taipin International Airport is the second largest airport in the northeast, with connections to most major cities in China, and also some destinations in Russia, Korea and Japan. For detailed information about transport, please refer to  Harbin Transport. There are an additional three airports in Heilongjiang, namely Qiqihar, Mudanjiang and Jiamusi, with flights to some of the major cities across the country.

By Train:
Heilongjiang Province was one of the first provinces to have its own railway system, first built by the Russians at the end of the last century. Today, travelers can reach Moscow and other Russian cities from here. The major stop is in Harbin,  for details on trains to and from Harbin and trains into Siberia and Russian, please refer to the Harbin Transport section. Train is definitely the easiest and most comfortable way to get around the province and the entire Dongbei (north-east) region.

By Bus:
There are currently seven highways in Heilongjiang, although the majority of roads here are in very poor condition and train is by far the most comfortable way to travel, wherever possible. An expressway links Daqing,  Harbin,  Mudanjian, and Suifenhe. By the year 2001, expressways should link Harbin to Beijing.