Way to Russia Talk Lounge

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 534

I just got back from Harbin and would highly recommend it as a stop on the Trans-Siberian. It was one of the most fun cities I've visited in China. It has a great atmosphere with the feel of a frontier town - a little rough around the edges.

The snow and ice sculptures (Olympic-themed this year) are, of course, the major drawcard at this time of year and they were amazing. But other highlights included Siberian Tiger Park where you ride through the enclosures in a mini-bus and can purchase live animals to have fed to the tigers (from $7 for a chicken up to $200 for a cow). And the eerie Germ Warfare Base, where the Japanese tested biological weapons on prisoners, was another great experience.

The Russian quarter is beautifully preserved and the nightlife is surprisingly fun. They had Russian folk-dancing shows and transvestite shows at the clubs - it was like something you might have seen in Moscow about 5 years ago, before its nightlife scene became sophisticated.

I'll post something on the blog with photos when I get a chance. Has anyone else enjoyed Harbin as much as I did?