It has a population of 2.54 million by 1997. Fanciful ice sculptures are crafted in the shapes of animals, plants, buildings or legendary figures. Another festivity of Harbin is offered in the warm July, when the Harbin Music Festival takes place. The Songhua River gives Harbin a touch of lively beauty. During the winter, the river freezes and becomes a virtual playground for hockey, skating, ice-sailing, sledding, sleighing, and believe it or not, fishing too.
Siberian ginseng is another strong reconmmendation.
Daoli District, close to the Songhua River, has the best specialty shops. In between the Songhua River and HIT is the busy Railway Station of the city.