Shopping and Souvenirs

What to Buy in Harbin
The best things to buy in Harbin are, not surprisingly, Russian in origin. From fur hats to Russian dolls, anything and everything that hails from the north can be found in stores throughout the city.

Having dealt with Russian traders for years, the vendors in Harbin are a shrewd traders and expect to bargain –disregard all price tags except at the very up-market department stores. Harbin has a reputation in China for being a cheap city and it's true that you can pick up some very good bargains on fans or calligraphy if you haggle.

Where to Buy in Harbin
If you have a week or so in the city, you could go to the Silk Market near Heilongjiang University and get a custom-made for a third of the price they charge in Beijing. Otherwise, try the Russian stores on Central Street or go to the indoor Russian market near Hongbo Square. The most expensive stores can be found around Hongbo Square and at the northern end of Central Street, but you'll pay Western prices for things you could get much cheaper if you ventured into the markets. Perhaps the most appropriate souvenir you could bring home from Harbin would be one of the green ex-military overcoats that the locals all wear in winter –very good at keeping you warm. Rustic souvenirs made from straw and shells make great gifts. Look for these knickknacks at the Zhongwai Minmao Market on Jianshe Lu, many of the small stores along this street carry Russian items. The Guomao Cheng is an interesting shopping venue. Built in a former bomb-shelter, this huge complex houses many small shops and makes for good shopping.