Harbin Summer Cool Escape and Foodie Three-Day Tour | Highly Recommend Visiting in This Off-Season!!!

| Highly Recommend Visiting in This Off-Season!!! In summer, Harbin sheds its winter hustle and bustle and gains a refreshing and relaxed vibe, with an average temperature just above 20°C. Walking on the streets feels comfortable and cozy, perfect for escaping the heatwave and cooling down. Day 1: Old Town’s Liveliness and Historical Imprints - Morning: Start from Harbin Railway Station, but don’t rush to leave. The vintage dome and European-style carvings inside the station are very photogenic, no wonder it’s nicknamed the “Hogwarts of the Northeast.” After exiting, head straight to Hongzhuan Street morning market, just a short walk from the “Central Street” subway station. The morning hustle and bustle here is the most charming. Be sure to try the freshly baked meat and egg burger, crispy on the outside and juicy inside; the fried cake wrapped with red bean paste that oozes filling when bitten; and a cup of freshly squeezed corn juice, warm and refreshing. - Afternoon: Stroll slowly along Central Street, where the cobblestone pavement is worn smooth by footsteps, and the Russian-style buildings paired with summer greenery create a foreign atmosphere in every snapshot. At the end of the street is the Flood Control Monument, next to Stalin Park where you can see the leisurely life by the Songhua River—people playing chess under trees, others gazing at the flowing water. Not far away is Saint Sophia Cathedral; although the interior is temporarily closed, its white walls and golden domes shine brightly under the blue sky. Sitting on a bench in the square watching pigeons circle is also very pleasant. - Evening: After a tiring walk, visit the Daoli Vegetable Market across the street. The aroma of red sausage can be smelled from afar; cut a few pieces to eat on the spot. The braised chicken racks and smoked sauce are especially flavorful; buy some Shaike bread as a snack, a bag full of satisfaction. - Night: If you want to learn about history, visit the Unit 731 Museum (advance online reservation required, free admission). The venue is solemn and the exhibits deeply convey the heaviness of that historical period. Afterward, try the nearby Jiuwei Barbecue, where grilled kidney and grilled eggs are Northeast specialties, paired with a bottle of Dayao Jiabin beer for a full-flavored experience. Day 2: Time in Museums and Flavors of Old Department Stores - Morning: The Heilongjiang Provincial Museum is worth a visit. It was formerly a Russian department store, and the building itself is impressive. Although the exhibits are not many at present, the “Harbin Memories” exhibition hall with old photos and artifacts offers a glimpse into the city’s changes; the Miao silver jewelry temporary exhibition features exquisite and gorgeous pieces, each pattern telling a story. - Noon: Near the museum, Portman Western Restaurant serves Russian borscht that is sweet and sour and appetizing, and the pot-braised beef is tender and melts in your mouth. Eating it with rye bread is very authentic. - Afternoon: Walk to Qiulin Company, a century-old department store full of memories. The central spiral staircase is antique and charming, and the Qiulin Museum nearby displays old logos and vintage posters, where you can also get a commemorative stamp. The food section on the basement level is a must-visit; kvass has a slightly sour taste from bread fermentation, and the ice cream is rich in milk flavor and affordable, much better value than trendy brands. Day 3: Collision of Nature and Architecture - Morning: Sun Island Park is lush and green in summer. The deer in the Deer Park are gentle and friendly; for 10 yuan, you can buy feed to feed them, and their furry heads rubbing your palm is very healing. The little squirrels on Squirrel Island are very agile and will come over if you throw some nuts. Walking along the lakeside, the wind rustling through the reeds makes it feel nothing like a city. - Afternoon: Take the Songhua River Cableway across the river, 60 yuan one way. Starting from the chocolate-colored castle on the north bank, when you rise high, you can see the scenery on both sides—the greenery of Sun Island on one side and the red roofs of the old town on the other. The slow 40-minute ride lets you fully enjoy the river view. After getting off, visit the Harbin Pharmaceutical Sixth Factory. Unexpectedly, the factory is so magnificent, with golden domes and carved pillars like a palace. The printmaking museum on the 5th and 6th floors hosts art exhibitions, free and less crowded. - Evening: Finally, go to the China Baroque Pedestrian Street, where the old buildings are full of detailed reliefs, many converted into cafes and craft shops. The McDonald’s on the corner has been transformed into a retro style, perfectly matching the surrounding architecture—take a photo for memories. For dinner, try the nearby Bingcheng Majia Barbecue, featuring Qiqihar-style marinated meat sizzling on the grill, wrapped in lettuce, finger-licking good. Must-Try List - Red Sausage: Both Qiulin Lidaosi and Shangwei’s are good. For eating on the spot, choose the ones with a mix of fat and lean; for taking home, choose leaner ones. - Laodingfeng Ice Cream: Rich milky flavor that melts in your mouth, 10 yuan for a big box, very satisfying to scoop and eat. - Buckwheat Noodles Jelly: A summer street snack, sour and spicy, a perfect palate cleanser. - Fengfeng Dumplings: Shrimp and sauerkraut fillings are both delicious, with chewy wrappers, perfect with garlic vinegar. Visiting Harbin in summer means no need to bundle up in thick coats, allowing you to slowly feel the city’s romance and lively atmosphere. After three days of touring, it’s refreshing and fulfilling—no wonder some say, “Summer Harbin hides another kind of gentleness.”