Winter and ice festival
What world-famous winter festival is held in Harbin each year?
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
What country’s architectural style strongly influenced early Harbin buildings?
Russia
What large, green-domed cathedral is one of Harbin’s most famous landmarks?
Saint Sophia Cathedral
What river flows through the center of Harbin?
The Songhua River
What material—taken from the local river—is used to build the festival’s giant sculptures?
ice
What major railway helped Harbin grow into a city?
The Chinese Eastern Railway
What island park across the Songhua River is a popular place for walking and festivals?
Sun Island (Taiyang Dao)
Harbin is known for having extremely cold winters. What nickname does this give the city?
“Ice City”
In which month does the Ice and Snow Festival usually start?
January
Which famous cathedral in Harbin was originally built by Russian settlers?
Saint Sophia Cathedral
What Harbin attraction is home to many Siberian tigers?
Siberian Tiger Park
Harbin’s winter temperatures often fall below what Celsius temperature: –5°C, –15°C, or –30°C?
–30°C
What natural feature helps Harbin stay cold enough for the festival to last more than a month?
very cold long winter
Harbin’s early population included many immigrants from which European region?
Eastern Europe (especially Russians and Poles)
What season is Harbin internationally famous for due to its climate?
Winter
What direction of wind from Siberia brings Harbin its freezing winter air?
Cold northern winds from Siberia