Heilongjiang is the "head and neck" of the country (often compared to a rooster), but the province itself is famously described as a swan poised to fly:

The Body/Wings: The broad northern and eastern reaches of the province (bordering Russia) form the back and wings of the swan.

The Neck: The western "arm" of the province (near Qiqihar and the Inner Mongolia border) forms the swan’s long, elegant neck.

The "Pearl": This is where Harbin comes in. Because Harbin is located in the southern-central part of the province, right at the base of that "neck" section, it is officially nicknamed the "Pearl beneath the Swan’s Neck."

The Songhua River is often described with its own set of metaphors: It is frequently called the "Mother River" of Harbin.

Architecturally and poetically, it is described as a "Colorful Belt" or a "Silver Ribbon" that winds through the city. While the river has many curves, the "Swan" title is a point of provincial pride specifically regarding the land's shape on the map.

Cultural Context: The swan is a very important symbol in the region. Since Heilongjiang is home to many wetlands (like the Zhalong Nature Reserve), it is a major breeding ground for real migratory birds, including swans and cranes. This natural reality reinforced the map-based nickname over time.

杨丕源第25次访华的重点是沿海火车之旅以及海南岛周边地区。 在地图上，海南被标记为第6号。