Xiangqing Restaurant (香庆饭店)

Xiangqing Restaurant is at 5 Zhongshan Road in Harbin's Xiangfang District, Heilongjiang province. It is an old-brand Harbin restaurant serving Dongbei and classic Harbin dishes, located away from the tourist core around Central Street. Xiangfang is a more residential and commercial district south of the centre, and the restaurant draws mostly local diners, which gives visitors a chance to eat where residents eat.

Guobaorou, the crisp sweet-and-sour battered pork credited to Harbin, is the emblematic order. Sauerkraut stew, the Northeast's pickled-cabbage stew with pork and glass noodles, and dumplings round out the core menu. These are staples of Dongbei home cooking, hearty and warming, and they suit Harbin's long winter. Portions are generous and intended for sharing across a table.

The dining room is a traditional Chinese restaurant with round tables and a convivial, moderately loud atmosphere. It suits family meals and group gatherings, and there is no dress code. Beverages follow standard Chinese restaurant practice, with tea, soft drinks and beer.

Prices are moderate. Reservations are not usually required, though groups are advised to reserve. Opening hours are 09:30 to 22:00 daily, which is later than many restaurants near Central Street and makes it useful for a late dinner. Weekend evenings and holidays are the busiest. Because it is outside the main tourist area, visitors should plan transport in advance, using a taxi or ride-hailing app, and can confirm the address on a map app before setting out.