Location: located between 45 45' north latitude and 126 38' east longitude; at the southwest of Heilongjiang province; at the bank of the Songhuajiang River; in Southern Songnen Plain

Physical Features: low and plain, with average altitude of 150 to 200 meters

History: the cradle of the Jin and Qing dynasty; used to be a international commercial city early in the 20th century. The urban area is composed of seven districts: Daoli, Daowai, Nangang, Taiping, Xiangfang, Dongli and Pingfang

Climatic Features: located in the temperate zone; continental climate; long winters and short summers

Local Highlights: ginseng, edible fungus, mushroom, sculpture of ice and snow.