The campus, along with the picturesque scenery and mild climate, adjoins the sea (Golden Beach) and is surrounded by mountains.

[12] Nationally, HIT is consistently ranked among China's top-10 research comprehensive universities and ranked No.1 in Northeast China region,[24] which includes the province of Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang with a combination of more than 100 million population.

[32] Research at Harbin Institute of Technology spans a broad range of topics with a strong focus on engineering sciences.

[39][40] HIT undertakes research covered by official secrets (e.g. in space science and defense-related technologies).

[43][44] One minor planet (#55838) is named after the Harbin Institute of Technology and nicknamed "Hagongda Star" by the International Astronomical Union for HIT's achievements in science and engineering.

In 2010, the Astronautics Innovation Research Center was established at HIT in conjunction with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

[49] In May 2020, the United States Bureau of Industry and Security added to HIT to the Entity List for its activities in support of the People's Liberation Army.