Here we are at the Flood Control Monument. This monument was built with a European style in conformity with the architecture along the Central Street. It was erected in 1958 in memory of the people of Harbin fighting the flood in 1957. The monument is 22.5 meters in height. Its foundation was made of rock, implying the river dike is as strong as rock. The sculpture in the middle and the top shows that the people of all walks of life building the dyke. At the foot of the monument, there are two fountain ponds. One represents the water level of 119.72 meters in 1932, the other represent the water level of 120.30 meters in 1957. In 1932, when the city was invaded by the Japanese, the authorities did little to build the bank. In contrast, in 1957, Harbin people worked along the bank day and night for over a month to strength the bank. In the end, the flood gave its way and the city was safe and sound. So, the fountains imply that the people of Harbin have tamed the flood to benefit the people. At the back, 20 columns forming a semi-circle embody Harbin people in the 20th century creating miracles.

The Monument Square is also a place for holding political, cultural and sports activities because it is a symbol of Harbin. It manifests that the heroic,

hardworking and intelligent Harbin people will strive forward for a more prosperous future.

The Flood Control Monument is a symbol of Harbin. It manifests that the heroic, hardworking and intelligent Harbin people will strive forward for a more prosperous future.

The river divides the city into the north and the south part and formed two riverside parks on each side. On the south portion of the river, Ninth-station Park, Stalin Park and Daowai Park, all connected to the other, formed the longest park along a river in China. On the north side of the river is the Sun Island. The Flood Control

Monument is just in the middle of the Stalin Park. Stalin Park was originally called the Riverside Park, and was constructed in 1953. It measures 1750 meters from the Songhua Railway Bridge to Jiuzhan Park.


As we walk along the bank, we can meet some attractive architecture like The Riverside Restaurant followed the classical Russian style with a wooden structure. It has been used as an outdoor scene for many movies. Another beautiful building is the Railway Workers′Club. It was first constructed in 1912 with the name “Yacht Club”. As its main building has the shape of a boat and it is located on the dyke close to the water, it looks like a ship about to set off on its maiden voyage. （江心岛）

While taking a river cruise, you will surely be attracted by the beautiful flowers, and swaying willow trees. The banks of Songhua River and the island found in the middle are ideal natural tourist attractions and sun bathing areas. I hope that the Stalin Park will leave you a deep impression and you will all visit it again.

Ice sculptures are a traditional form of art in the northeastern part of China. It is said that a long, long time ago, people went fishing on the Songhua River in winter. They dug a hole in the ice, and put a hook in and they could catch a lot of fish as fish rushed to the hole to get fresh air. Thus fishing continued into the night. For lack of light, fishermen tried to make an ice lamp. They used a pail of water, and let it freeze for a certain time. Then they pulled this block of ice out of the pail. They drilled a hole in the middle, poured out the unfrozen water, and put oil light inside. In this way, an ice lantern was made. Since fish are attracted by light, night fishing is more productive. It is said even in the coldest winter, one could still see ice lanterns dotted along the Songhua River. Nowadays ice lanterns are hardly seen anywhere. Instead people make ice sculptures. Since the water in the Songhua River freezes for over half a meter, people cut blocks of ice from it. Then they use special tools, some hat like carpenters’ saws, chisels, planes and, so on, to make blocks of ice into landscapes, buildings, human and animal figurine: In order to get the utmost effects, they also make full use of modem technology, such as light, sound, color and electronic equipment. As you will see, ice sculptures have become a unique art form in Harbin. The Ice Sculpture Show is different every year. Each year it has a special theme. With the improved technology, this show is becoming more and more fascinating. The. Harbin Ice Sculpture Show has become world famous. Every year, an international ice sculpture contest is held in Zhaolin Park. Artists from Japan, Russia, the United States, Canada and many other countries and regions come and demonstrate their works of art. At the same time, a trade fair is also organized to attract more people to Harbin. The Ice Sculpture Show has now become a festival in Harbin. On the fifth of January, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is inaugurated by the Mayor of Harbin with state officials and some foreign ambassadors, which attracts thousands of visitors from home and abroad.