Kazy is the best hostel for miles, and is rightfully popular year-round. English-speaking staff front a cosy reception-bar and can help with excursions in and around Harbin. The private rooms have internal stairs, high ceilings and clean bathrooms. The eight-bed dorms have firm beds and good-quality linen. Cute trinkets, maps, books and snacks are sold in the lobby library.
It's on leafy Tongjiang Jie, but is set back from the road so the traffic noise is minimised. A taxi from Harbin station is ¥14.