Heilongjiang: China's northernmost province

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October first marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. News Hour on CCTV International brings you a series of reports on each of China's provinces, municipalities and special administrative regions. And in today's introduction to Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, let's take a look at Heilongjiang.

Heilongjiang is China's northernmost province, bordering Jilin in the south and Inner Mongolia to the west. It also borders Russia to the north.

It is home to a population of over 36 million in its 469,000 square kilometers.

Heilongjiang is one of the country's most important producers of grain. Because of its sub-arctic weather, its agriculture is based on crops such as soybeans, maize and wheat. It's also an important source of timber for China. Dense forests can be found in the Greater and Lesser Xing'an Mountains. The province is also home to protected animals such as the Manchurian tiger and the red-crowned crane.

Heilongjiang's Daqing oil field is an important source of crude oil for China.

Other major industries include automobile and aircraft.

The provincial capital of Harbin is a city of contrasts, with Chinese, Russian, and eclectic worldwide influences visible throughout the city.

The long and cold winter is the backdrop for Harbin's famed ice sculpture exhibitions. Its annual Ice and Snow Festival offers thousands of ice sculptures. Harbin also boasts the nation's best ski resort, Yabuli.