Harbin

Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to Russia. It offers a range of educational institutions, including Heilongjiang University and Harbin Institute of Technology.

Pros

Living near the universities is convenient, with affordable student housing and reasonable rents for shared apartments. Though wages are modest, part-time jobs are available in retail, teaching, and hospitality.

Cons

Housing further from campus is pricier, and heating costs increase in winter. Communication can be challenging for those not familiar with Mandarin.

Jiamusi

Located near the Russian border, Jiamusi is an industrial city with a growing educational sector and is home to institutions like Jiamusi University.

Pros

It is known for its relatively low tuition and living costs and for being an emerging international community. Part-time opportunities exist, particularly in translation, teaching, and retail, though competition may be high due to the smaller city size.

Cons

Infrastructure and public transport are not as developed, which can make commuting less convenient. Leisure, cultural, and networking opportunities are limited compared with Harbin.

Qianjin District

Qianjin is a district within Jiamusi located on the southern (right) bank of the Songhua River. Many of the transit hubs (train, long‑distance buses) are located in Qianjin, which makes it well‑connected. For example, the Long‑distance Bus Terminal is in Qianjin.

Pros

Jiamusi University has at least one campus located within Qianjin District (Zhongshan Street), and other campuses are nearby.

Although Qianjin is part of the urban core, it’s still much more affordable than districts in larger Chinese cities.

Cons

The winter temperature drops to -20°C or lower. Proper heating in your housing is essential.

Qiqihar

Qiqihar is a city in western Heilongjiang, home to institutions such as Qiqihar University and Qiqihar Medical University. It is less crowded than Harbin and offers a quieter pace of life while still having essential amenities.

Pros

Living in Qiqihar means lower housing costs, especially for shared apartments near the university. The city offers basic public transport, local markets, supermarkets, and cheaper food options. Students can benefit from a more relaxed environment that’s good for studying.

Cons

Because it’s farther from the provincial capital, some specialised facilities (labs, research centres) might be fewer. Winter heating costs can be high—also, fewer entertainment and international options compared with larger cities like Harbin.

Mudanjiang

Mudanjiang is a city in the southeast of Heilongjiang province, known for its scenic surroundings and educational institutions such as Mudanjiang Normal University.

Pros
Mudanjiang offers affordable living costs; housing is generally cheaper than in Harbin. The city has plenty of natural beauty, parks, and a more laid-back atmosphere. There are universities and educational support services, making it viable for international students.

Cons
Public transport and infrastructural development may lag behind in some parts of the city, meaning commuting could be slower or less reliable. Limited international community and fewer high-end entertainment or cultural amenities compared to Harbin.

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Based on our conversations with the local Nepali students in Heilongjiang.