Northeast China

People visit the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) People visit the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) This photo taken on March 21, 2024 shows an exterior view of the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) People visit the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) People visit the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) A tourist takes photos of butterfly specimens at the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest Day falls on March 21. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) People visit the China (Harbin) Forest Museum in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 21, 2024. The World Forest…

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2023 shows a giant snowman in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The giant snowman, about 18 meters in height and made with some 2,000 cubic meters of snow, becomes a yearly landmark of Harbin. (Photo by Liu Yang/ tasteallchina ) Tourists pose for a selfie with a giant snowman in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 17, 2023. The giant snowman, about 18 meters in height and made with some 2,000 cubic meters of snow, becomes a yearly landmark of Harbin. (Photo by Liu Yang/ tasteallchina ) This aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2023 shows a giant snowman in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The giant snowman, about 18 meters in height and made with some 2,000 cubic meters of snow, becomes a yearly landmark of Harbin. (Photo by Liu Yang/ tasteallchina ) This aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2023 shows a giant snowman in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The giant snowman, about 18 meters in height and made with some 2,000 cubic meters of snow, becomes a yearly landmark of Harbin. (Photo by Liu Yang/ tasteallchina ) This aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2023 shows a giant snowman…

It may seem surprising, but a growing number of Russians are making the trip to have breakfast in Heihe, a border city in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, before heading back home. (Photo/CCTV News) Heihe sits across the Heilongjiang River from the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk. The river is known in Russia as the Amur River. Since the resumption of visa-free group tourist trips between China and Russia in Heihe on Sept. 21, 2023, there's been a noticeable uptick in Russian visitors. A simple boat ride allows for easy movement between the two nations. Many Russians are attracted to Heihe's breakfast offerings and shopping experiences. They indulge in local breakfast staples such as soybean milk, tea eggs, and Baozi — steamed stuffed buns. Some have even crafted a unique dining blend, pairing Baozi with beer. (Photo/CCTV News) Many vendors at morning markets have added bilingual Chinese-Russian signs, and some have picked up basic Russian to better serve their visitors. Given its strategic location, Heihe has long been a nexus for China-Russia trade. It stands as China's primary supplier of everyday Russian products, which are then distributed nationwide. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made trade between China and other BRI…

(Video edited by Zhong Wenxing) Renowned for offering a kaleidoscope of winter travel activities and the particular hospitality of the locals, northeast China has become a travel hub in winter. In addition, Harbin, the snowy capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, will host the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025. In this article, Taste all China will present some entertaining winter sports or activities offered in northeast China. Pouring water into ice A visitor plays a game with water spray in Beiji Village, Mohe City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 24, 2019. With the lowest temperature approaching minus 30 degrees celsius, visitors in Mohe Village tried their hand at the game of "pouring water into ice" here. ( tasteallchina /Cai Yang) With temperatures in Mohe city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, plummeting to below minus 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, the city has become a magnet for snow lovers eager to experience the charm of ice and snow. Tourists are flocking to Beiji village, also known as Arctic village, to take part in the unique phenomenon known as "splashing water into ice." A spellbinding sight is created as pots of boiling water are splashed into the frigid air in…

Jilin Province in northeast China, a region known for its abundant ice-and-snow resources, has opened up new opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Recently, many tourists from southern China visited Naitoushan, a village of China's Korean ethnic group near the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, to experience the local lifestyle such as dressing up in traditional Korean costumes, taking photos with reindeer, trying winter hunting and ice fishing, and enjoying outdoor hot pot in the cold weather. Yang Lina, who operates a homestay hotel, upgraded her hotel’s courtyard and added various snow sculptures and snow houses for visitors to take photos during this snow season. Guests can also enjoy local meals while sitting on kangs, or heatable beds, which are common in northern China. Tourists enjoy snow tubing at a ski resort in Jilin city, northeast China's Jilin Province. ( tasteallchina /Yan Linyun) Since Yang returned to her village to start a business 12 years ago, she has continuously expanded her collaboration with travel agencies in southern China to promote winter tourism in her village. During the three-day 2024 New Year holiday, the village received tourists from Zhejiang Province in east China and Guangdong Province in south China, as well as visitors from…

The arrival of winter triggered a boom in ice and snow tourism in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. According to data released by Tujia, a Beijing-based online platform for booking B&B hotels, over 90 percent of B&B hotel rooms in Harbin were booked during the New Year holiday, while reservations in Daxing'anling prefecture, Daqing city, and Jiamusi city in Heilongjiang surged by 5-10 times year on year. "Almost all of our 24 rooms are booked every day," said Guo Wei, who runs a B&B hotel in Harbin. According to a report on China's winter tourism released by the China Tourism Academy, the number of people participating in ice and snow-related leisure tourism in China is expected to increase by 25 to 30 percent during the 2023-2024 winter season. The country's ice and snow leisure tourism sector will receive over 400 million visitors during the season, with its revenue expected to hit 550 billion yuan ($77.25 billion). Tourists play on a swing at a courtyard in Ningyuan county, Yongzhou city, central China's Hunan Province. (Photo/Jiang Keqing) "We can now clearly feel the recovery of the cultural and tourism market," said Lu Shan, manager of a B&B hotel near the West Lake…

A landmark snowman is under construction in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 3, 2023. The giant snowman, 20 meters in height, is made with 2,000 cubic meters of snow. A landmark snowman is under construction in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 3, 2023. A landmark snowman is under construction in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 3, 2023. A landmark snowman is under construction in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 3, 2023. A landmark snowman is under construction in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 3, 2023.

This winter, the biggest hit is undoubtedly the new internet sensation “Erbin” [Note: Erbin is a playful nickname for Harbin]. Not only have the southerners been awed by the snow-covered landscapes, but they've also flocked to the large bathhouses to bare it all, bringing Northeast China's bathing culture and Korean sauna into the public eye. So what are the rules of a Korean sauna, and is it suitable for everyone? Let’s find out.What is a Korean Sauna?As a branch of thermal therapy, the Korean sauna has a long history. It falls under the category of “sweat therapy” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Compendium of Materia Medica mentions that “fumigation, washing, cauterization, acupuncture, moxibustion, qigong, massage, and other methods that expel exterior pathogens are all categorized as sweat therapy.” The Essentials of Treating Febrile Diseases also provides a detailed description of how to use a Korean sauna to treat illness: “This method is used when a patient does not sweat after taking medicine. In cold weather, when sweating is difficult, this method should be employed. First, burn wood on the ground until it is very hot, then sweep away the ashes and pour boiling water over the spot. Cover the…

People view a painting exhibition at the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 2, 2024. A series of exhibitions were held at Shenyang Palace Museum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List. (Photo by Jia Yicheng/ tasteallchina ) A journalist views a painting exhibition at the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 2, 2024. A series of exhibitions were held at Shenyang Palace Museum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) A journalist views a painting exhibition at the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 2, 2024. A series of exhibitions were held at Shenyang Palace Museum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists visit an exhibition featuring restored relics at the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 2, 2024. A series of exhibitions were held at Shenyang Palace Museum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists visit an exhibition featuring restored relics at the Shenyang…

This stitched photo taken on May 8, 2024 shows the Chinese Eastern Railway museum under the Milky Way in Hengdaohezi Town of Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed "a town pulled by trains," Hengdaohezi, located in the city of Hailin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was originally established in the late 19th century when Russians built train maintenance workshops and other facilities there following the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Due to well-preserved historic buildings, the exotic town now has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo by Wang Baoxun/ tasteallchina ) This stacked photo taken on May 7, 2024 shows the Chinese Eastern Railway museum under the starry sky in Hengdaohezi Town of Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed "a town pulled by trains," Hengdaohezi, located in the city of Hailin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was originally established in the late 19th century when Russians built train maintenance workshops and other facilities there following the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Due to well-preserved historic buildings, the exotic town now has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo by Wang Baoxun/ tasteallchina ) This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2023 shows a view at an oil painting…

Clams are abundant in summer, which coincides with the bustling business of street stalls and night beer spots during the season. In Northeast China, clams are usually called "xiao ren xian." Whether served cold or stir-fried, clams make for great accompaniments to alcohol in the summer.Clam Recipe - Salt-Baked ClamsIngredients:Clams, coarse salt, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper, five-spice powder.Steps:1. Clean the clams and cut open their backs using a knife; let them stand to drain. 2. Pour coarse salt into a pot and stir-fry until hot. 3. Then add Sichuan pepper, bay leaves, and five-spice powder and stir-fry to release the aroma. 4. Place the drained clams in the pot with their opened side facing down. 5. Cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.Tips:If the clams are not drained, the salt will melt, making the dish too salty.Clam Recipe - Spicy Stir-Fried ClamsIngredients:Clams, red chili peppers, green chili peppers, scallions, ginger, cooking wine, sugar, fish sauce.Steps:1. Soak the clams in salt water and clean them thoroughly. 2. Chop scallions, ginger, and chili peppers. 3. Heat oil in a wok, sauté garlic and ginger slices, then stir-fry the clams vigorously. 4. Add cooking wine,…

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows people visiting Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows people visiting Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of Heilongjiang Taiyangdao National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. ( tasteallchina /Wang Song) An aerial drone photo taken on…

CHANGSHA, May 10 ( tasteallchina ) -- Giant animal puppets held up by actors and aerial dancers swinging via red ribbons, all formed part of a puppet show on top of a shopping mall which impressed the audience with its French flavor in the central Chinese city of Changsha on Wednesday. The puppet show "De La Fontaine" is on a tour in China from May 4 to 12, and will be staged in Harbin in northeast China this weekend, after earlier hitting the streets of central China's Wuhan and Changsha. Staged by international theater company Archibald Caramantran, the shows are part of this year's Croisements Festival marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between China and France, according to Thomas Penot, cultural attache at the French Consulate General in Wuhan. The shows, staged in open-air public places, are based on French writer Jean de La Fontaine's fables "Red Balloon" and "Rooster and Stork Romance." "We really enjoy performing for a Chinese audience, as audiences here are very playful when interacting with the actors," said Olivier Hagenloch, the company's artistic director, adding that the visit has helped the company understand China better. The Croisements Festival has provided a platform for cultural exchange…

This aerial photo taken on Jan. 7, 2024 shows tourists having fun at an ice amusement spot on the Songhuajiang River Harbin section in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed China's "ice city," Harbin has recently seen a tourism boom. An ice amusement spot, transformed from an ice collecting site out of use, has attracted lots of visitors to have fun here with ice packs scattered on the Songhuajiang River Harbin section. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) Tourists take photos at an ice amusement spot on the Songhuajiang River Harbin section in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 7, 2024. Dubbed China's "ice city," Harbin has recently seen a tourism boom. An ice amusement spot, transformed from an ice collecting site out of use, has attracted lots of visitors to have fun here with ice packs scattered on the Songhuajiang River Harbin section. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 7, 2024 shows tourists having fun at an ice amusement spot in sunset on the Songhuajiang River Harbin section in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Dubbed China's "ice city," Harbin has recently seen a tourism boom. An ice amusement spot, transformed from an ice collecting site out of…

Visitors sing songs in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 20, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." ( tasteallchina /Xu Kaixin) A visitor takes photos of a reindeer in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." ( tasteallchina /Shi Feng) Visitors pose for a group photo in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." ( tasteallchina /Shi Feng) Visitors take photos in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." ( tasteallchina /Xu Kaixin) A vehicle undergoes a cold resistance test in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec.…

Tourists view cherry blossoms at Longwangtang cherry park in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 17, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists visit a museum featuring Chinese and western music cultures in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists pose for a group photo with cherry blossoms at Longwangtang cherry park in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 17, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists view cherry blossoms at Longwangtang cherry park in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 17, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) A tourist feeds birds at Laohutan scenic area in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists go sightseeing at a port in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Li Gang) Tourists watch birds on a yacht in Dalian bay, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Lu Peng) Tourists watch birds at Laohutan scenic area in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Lu Peng) Tourists visit a museum featuring Chinese and western music cultures in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 16, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Lu Peng)

The name "Di San Xian" might sound a bit unusual, and I believe many of you may not have heard of it before. In fact, Di San Xian is a very distinctive home-style dish from Northeast China. If you want to enjoy authentic Northeastern cuisine, you can also make it yourself. Below, we'll introduce a home-style recipe for Di San Xian. Not only is it delicious, but it's also quite simple to prepare. Let's start by looking at how to make Di San Xian and how to make it even more tasty!Fried Di San XianIngredients:Eggplant, carrots, potatoes, oil, soy sauce, salt.Method:1. Cut the potatoes, eggplants, and carrots into large chunks.2. Heat oil in a pan, stir-fry the eggplant, then remove. Add the potatoes and carrots and stir-fry together.3. Pour in soy sauce, add an appropriate amount of water, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Then add the eggplant back in.4. Once cooked through, season with an appropriate amount of salt and serve.Northeastern Style Di San XianIngredients:Eggplant, potatoes, green peppers, red peppers, scallions, ginger, garlic, light soy sauce, sugar, salt, cooking wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste).Method:1. Peel and cut the potatoes and eggplants into…

This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a view of the Wudalianchi Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a snow scenery of the Wudalianchi Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) This photo taken on Jan. 29, 2024 shows a snow scenery of the Wudalianchi Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum. ( tasteallchina /Xie Jianfei) A visitor enjoys the snow scenery of the Wudalianchi Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Jan. 29, 2024. The Wudalianchi Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural…

A tram decorated with lights is seen in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 9, 2024. Since Dec. 31, 2023, several trams in Dalian have been decorated with lights in order to attract more tourists. The history of tram in Dalian City dates back to 1909. After more than 100 years of operation, the tram has become a popular icon of the city. As the tourism industry in Dalian has recovered since 2023, many tourists come to take the trams to enjoy the cityscape. ( tasteallchina /Pan Yulong) Tram driver Li Peng prepares for departure in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 8, 2024. Since Dec. 31, 2023, several trams in Dalian have been decorated with lights in order to attract more tourists. The history of tram in Dalian City dates back to 1909. After more than 100 years of operation, the tram has become a popular icon of the city. As the tourism industry in Dalian has recovered since 2023, many tourists come to take the trams to enjoy the cityscape. ( tasteallchina /Pan Yulong) Tram driver Li Peng prepares for departure in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 8, 2024. Since Dec. 31, 2023, several trams in Dalian…

People enjoy an ice slide at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2024. The Snow Sculpture Art Expo park of the Sun Island scenic spot closed on Feb. 26 with the rising of temperature. ( tasteallchina /Wang Jianwei) A kid plays at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2024. The Snow Sculpture Art Expo park of the Sun Island scenic spot closed on Feb. 26 with the rising of temperature. ( tasteallchina /Wang Jianwei) Tourists play at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2024. The Snow Sculpture Art Expo park of the Sun Island scenic spot closed on Feb. 26 with the rising of temperature. ( tasteallchina /Wang Jianwei) Tourists play at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2024. The Snow Sculpture Art Expo park of the Sun Island scenic spot closed on Feb. 26 with the rising of temperature. ( tasteallchina /Wang Jianwei) Tourists visit the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2024. The Snow Sculpture Art Expo park of the Sun Island scenic spot…

At dawn, workers at a fishery on Chagan Lake in Qian Gorlos Mongolian Autonomous County, Songyuan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, haul part of a fishing net from under the ice, watching plump fish jump out of the hole they dug there the previous night. "This is the 'lucky blind box' that we’re about to launch soon," Xu Jian, one of the workers, told People's Daily. He explained that they were testing a new tourism experience that allows visitors to make a hole in the ice and retrieve submerged nets. The fish caught in the nets will be offered as a reward to visitors who have taken part in the experience, according to Xu. Local fishermen catch fish on the frozen Chagan Lake in Songyuan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, Dec. 28, 2022. ( tasteallchina /Xu Chang) Chagan Lake has a sound ecological environment and is home to many different species of fish, including bighead carp, black carp, grass carp, catfish, and silver carp, according to a credible source, who said that 5,000 tonnes of fresh fish are harvested from the lake every year. As the fish population in Chagan Lake and the income of local people were significantly increased…

Children perform during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) Actors perform during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) Actors perform during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) An actress performs during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) Tourists pose for photos with actors in costume during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) A tourist takes a photo with an actor in costume during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao) Actors perform during a costume parade at the Sun Island scenic spot in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2024. ( tasteallchina /Zhang Tao)

This photo taken on Feb. 12, 2023 shows a view of the Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum.This aerial photo taken on Feb. 12, 2023 shows the snow-covered volcanic crater of Laohei Mountain at the Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum.This photo taken on Feb. 12, 2023 shows volcanoes at the Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts a complete set of volcanic landforms, making it a natural volcano museum.This aerial photo taken on Feb. 12, 2023 shows the snow-covered volcanic crater of Laohei Mountain at the Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark features 14 volcanoes and five major volcanic barrier lakes. The geopark boasts…

HARBIN, July 2 ( tasteallchina ) -- At the Jin Shangjing History Museum in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a gleaming thumb-sized silver coin attracts curious visitors. With unique curved edges unlike other Chinese and Western coins, the silver money in the shape of a double-bit ax tells its remarkable history. The silver money minted by the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) government was the first official currency made of silver in Chinese history, said Hu Zhiyuan, director of the interpretation department of the museum. The engraved traditional Chinese characters on the silver indicated its information, with "Cheng'an" representing the name of the era (1196-1200) and "Baohuo" meaning currency, said Hu. The institutions in charge of forging money and its central government management agency were also inscribed on the silver. Hu said the piece's unique appearance and its Chinese inscription reflected the influence of traditional Chinese culture in the Jin Dynasty, showcasing the integration of different ethnic cultures during its century-long reign. The Jin Dynasty, founded by the Jurchen people, ruled over northern and northeastern China, coexisting with the Song, Liao, Yuan, and Western Xia regimes that controlled parts of the country during the historical period. Hu explained that the…