We are reading the OP's profile location...and mention of a work colleague so we are assuming that's the starting point. I actually think PEK is a good idea. It's silly for a first-timer to come all the way to China just to go to Harbin. Harbin would be OK for 2-3 days, but I suspect the OP's colleague would have a happy time with daughter in Beijing for a few days. Chinatrvl came up with the best idea--have the daughter pick up Mom at PEK.