Compared with the cities in south of China, Harbin has fewer local products to brag about, most probably due to the harsh weather here makes most goods pretty hard to grow. Seafood is a popular local specialty and rare fish abound around these parts including dog salmon and sturgeon, which over the years have accustomed to the freezing winter and seem to be thriving! Monkey-Head Mushroom is little known in the west, but has long been deemed a delicacy for its curative effects. Sausage is popular with ordinary households, an influence perhaps of the Russian history here.

Clothes made from Marten (a tiny weasel-like animal) are common here, available at lower prices than in the west. A wide range of herbal medicines (many of which are becoming pretty popular in the west) are made here. Pilose antler (Lurong) is the Chinese version of Viagra! Tiger bone is said to relieve pain suffered with rheumatism.

What to Buy

Dog Salmon

Harbin Sausage

Monkey-Head Mushroom

Sturgeon

Dog Salmon

The harsh climate in Harbin helps toughen up the physique of every species of living animal. Dog salmon is no exception. To withstand the freezing cold in winter, which can drop to temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees C, the salmon in Harbin grows a layer of fat, making it extra tasty for use in fish dishes such as fish slices, fish ball soup and salted fish. When you visit Harbin, don't forget to sample this "survivor of the fittest"!

Harbin Sausage

Throughout history, Russia, just several hundred miles away from Harbin, has exerted a significant impact on the city, also manifested in the diet of the local people. Sausage seems to be much more popular here than in other places in China. 

The major difference between Harbin sausage and Russian lies in the seasoning. Chinese style sausage contains cinnamon and round cardamom and the locals enjoy a good drink with it!

Monkey-Head Mushroom

It is unlikely that most travelers are familiar with the unusual food, Monkey-Head Mushroom, also known as Hedgehog Hydnum or houtou gu! Nonetheless, this has not stopped this particular delicacy being listed as one of China's most famous! 

It is not simply the taste, that this particular dish is renowned for its healing properties. This fungus is said to have curative benefits for those suffering from gastroenteritis too.

Sturgeon

Although Harbin is not a coastal city, it still boasts a good selection of freshwater fish. Aside from Dog salmon, Sturgeon is probably the most well known type of sea food. 

The largest of these fish can weigh up to several pounds- and this has long been known as "The King" of fish, served up on special occasions to those in high places.

Where to buy

Guogeli Dajie

Underground Shopping Mall of Golden Street, Harbin

Guogeli Dajie

Guogeli Dajie was built in 1901 with a history of more than 100 years. It is located in the center of Nangang District. Started from south of Cheong Street and ended from north of Cayman Street, this street is 2642 meters long in total.

Guogeli Dajie is the second biggest shopping district in Harbin following Zhongyang Dajie (bigger in size). This area around is dotted with Russian buildings and huge shopping malls. It was original a non-governmental trading street for Russian goods, so Russian styles could be seen at almost everywhere. The goods there are various and most of them are of high quality and famous brands.

In the middle of this road, there is a small man-made lake with a central fountain. Around the lake are many small but famous pubs. During the warmer months, this small square is packed with people out for a night walk.

Underground Shopping Mall of Golden Street

With fresh air and bright light, underground shopping mall of Golden Street lies under the Fendou Road of Nangang District in Harbin. It was a part of civil defenses originally during the war period. In 1988, it was reconstructed to be an underground shopping mall.
Underground shopping mall of Golden Street is a comprehensive shopping mall with integration of different functions including shopping, touring and catering. Its total building area is about 15,000 square meters with two floors and is separated into a fast food restaurant and 6 business halls. These 6 business halls mainly sell all kinds of clothes at every range coming from Korea, Japan, America, Italy, France, Hongkong Taiwan, Shanghai and Guangdong and so on.

The goods there always lead the consumption trend of Harbin city. This street builds a good identity in local people's hearts. And it has been bright scenery of Harbin.