Immigrant City

At the end of 19th and beginning of 20th century, the construction of the central-eastern railway began; industry, business, and population started to gather in Harbin city. During the early 20th century, many foreigners also came here to do business. By that time Harbin was already becoming an international business city. At its peak, the population of foreigners even exceeded the Chinese population in Harbin. Residents from eastern China and the northeastern region also migrated to Harbin to take the advantage of the abundant natural resources and rich soil there.

After the establishment of the People Republic of China in 1949, Harbin developed into an important heavy industry base with many engineers and skilled-technical workers coming to live and work in Harbin from all over the country.