Most Chinese kingdoms were built around a major river, heck, probably every major civilization in the world emerged from a river. The Yellow River and the Yangtze River are just some examples of these civilization bearing rivers. Haerbin city is also built next to a river and it has emerged as on of the major destinations in Haerbin. Granted that it is just a river and nothing really much to see here but I find it relaxing to just sit by the river and watch life go by.
The Songhua River is no peaceful river mind you. In 1958, a major flood devastated Haerbin and thousands were killed in that catastrophe, which was the reason for the Flood Control Monument. The Songhua River also is a major transport artery as it allowes cargo to be transported through great distances. Incidentally, the Songhua River was also the site of a major industrial accident some years ago which spilt industrial waste on the river. There are also river cruises here but I wasn’t really in the mood for that. Banks of the Songhua River have been reinforced and there are steps which can also serve as seats for promenade goers.
[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/SonghuaRiver.kmz} zoom=19]