Summertime Sunset

A gorgeous summertime sunset on Hexing Road.

Spring Cherry Blossoms

Some of the lovely cherry blossoms currently blossoming along central Harbin's Xidazhi Street.

Unexpectedly Sacred Spaces

Growing up in the Horn of Africa I was familiar with the sight of a large tree with offerings of butter underneath it, remnants of a past animism that hadn't been forgotten despite the spread of Christianity and Islam in the region. It was a surprise, however, to see similar offerings (steam buns and incense) at an otherwise unremarkable tree outside the Harbin Convention Center Mall. "It's a small world after all..."

IKEA Naps Come to Harbin

Chinese shoppers have long been able to nap at IKEAs across the PRC, but now that IKEA has opened a demo store in the Hongbo Convention Center Mall (a precursor to its Haxi store, set to open this summer) they can finally nap at IKEA-Harbin too!

Harbin Railway Cultural Palace

The lovely Harbin Railway Cultural Palace on Xidazhi Street, formerly the Chinese Eastern Railway Club.

Harbin Railway Station Demolition

A panorama of the ongoing demolition of the old front square and buildings of the Harbin Railway Station! The rebuilt station (operational throughout the renovations) will front a grand new plaza facing north rather than southeast.

Giant Mall Ant

A randomly giant ant outside Hongta, a new mall in Harbin's Haxi area.