Harbin was one of the most memorable places from all my travels. It was such a spontaneous decision to visit Harbin City with very little planning. I was traveling across China in winter, when one British traveler told me to visit Harbin City Ice Festival. This was one of the most incredible shows and art displays I’ve even seen in my entire life. I never expected there would be so many outrageous things to do in Harbin City – China’s polarland. The whole town is like a fairy tale!
Incredible things to do in Harbin City.
Harbin City amazes from the first impression. There are lots of fascinating activities and sights that will impress and make your visit truly memorable. Located in the northeastern part of China, Harbin is famous for its stunning winter wonderland, which will leave a longlasting impression.
What is Harbin famous for?
The place is most famous for Harbin City Ice Festival – the world’s most incredible annual ice city and sculpture show. However, Harbin tourist attractions surprise a lot as well, the city is buzzing with tourists, street food and one of the most fantastic entertainment scenes. Russian influences are visible with every piece of Harbin architecture and cuisine.
Where is Harbin?
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, located in the northeastern part of China.
Harbin City expanded in the late 19th century along with the construction of eastern leg of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. It is now a lively metropoly, visited by millions of tourists every year. All Harbin street names are written in two languages: Chinese and Russian.
How to get to Harbin City?
Traveling in China by bullet trains or planes is luxury. There are two fastest ways to get to Harbin City:
BY FLIGHT: There are many direct flights from major cities to Harbin. The best platform to book tickets in China is TRIP.com. Flights are often at a similar price as speed trains. I flew with Juneyao and it was brilliant.
BY TRAIN: China has an amazing bullet train network. It takes 5.5 hours to travel from Beijing to Hsrbin by speed trains. Again best platform to book tickets is TRIP.com.
Weather in Harbin.
WINTER temperatures in Harbin estimate around: -15 ℃ up to -35 ℃. Such climate creates perfect conditions to create the Ice masterpiece, which attracts millions of tourists each year.
SUMMER temperatures range ranges between 22℃ to 24℃.
Harbin Festival of Ice and Snow!
Harbin Festival of Ice and Snow is a magic wonderland, which everyone should visit once in a lifetime! The Festival is number one among the most incredible things to do in Harbin City.
The Harbin City Ice Festival is an international ice spectacle, featuring massive ice sculptures and illuminated ice lanterns that adorn the city. You will be able to explore incredible ice artwork across the whole town, participate in ice-related activities, and witness the grandeur of the ice and snow world.
The main part of the Festival is Harbin Ice and Snow World (entry only with tickets) is located on the west side of Sun Island, Songbei District, Harbin. Massive ice sculptures, which also illuminate at night with colorful lights, create a fairly-tale-like atmosphere! You can wander among the incredible mazes, try thrilling ice slides, ice skating and many more amazing attractions. It’s a fantastical winter playground offering endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
TIME: Harbin Ice & Snow Festival usually lasts from: mid-December till February (although the opening and closing dates can vary depending on weather conditions).
Harbin Ice Festival tickets.
I highly recommend to secure Harbin Ice Festival tickets in advance, you can easily get them online on Klook.
Be prepared the queue to enter Harbin Festival of Ice and Snow is enormous! Fortunately, tickets can be purchased onsite as well. Make sure you wear proper clothing, evening temperatures easily drop up to -30 Degrees Celsius!
Where to stay in Harbin City?
I can highly recommend staying in Fuyihao International Youth Hostel, located at No. 1 Hongxia Street, Daoli. The place is comfy and friendly and it’s located just next to the main street – the center of all the amazing attractions and entertainment.
Few top budget-friendly and super comfy accommodation picks:
- Extremely popular and high rated James Joyce Coffetel Harbin Central Street.
- Exceptional Vienna Hotel Harbin Haxi High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza.
- 4 star Zmax Hotel·Harbin Bingxue Big World.
- Browse all Harbin accomodations.
Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches I’ve seen. It’s an exotic attraction and one of the greatest things to do in Harbin City, located in the middle of the spacious city square. This iconic Russian Orthodox church strikes with architecture. Tickets can be purchased to enter Harbin Architectural Art Museum (expect a queue if you are visiting during Harbin City Ice Festival), the art gallery holds a display of paintings of old Harbin.
Harbin City foodie adventure.
After a day of outdoor sightseeing in freezing temperatures, you can go on a gastronomic adventure, which for me was one of the greatest things to do in Harbin City. The streets of Harbin are teeming with food stalls and eateries. I can’t even tell you how tasteful were all the culinary delights – from savoring sizzling hotpot to traditional Russian dishes, and one of the best and the biggest ice cream I’ve ever had.
Central Street in Harbin City.
One of the most iconic things to do in Harbin City is the Zhongyang Street, known as Central Street. It’s a cobblestone pedestrian street lined with beautiful European-style architecture dating back to the late 19th century and magnificent exposure of city lights. You’ll find plenty of shops, boutiques and restaurants offering a wide variety of local delicacies and souvenirs. Original red Chinese tea and vanilla ice cream in minus 20 Celsius degrees made my day! The street comes alive in the evening with colorful lights and lively street performances – the energetic atmosphere brings back to life.
Harbin City outdoor activities.
Harbin streets are shaped to entertain. Hanging around the city is one of the top adventurous things to do in Harbin City. Illuminating cave shops are so spacious that seem endless. Cozy cafes, bakeries and attractive wares beckon alluringly with flavors and from the shop windows.
Frozen Songhuan River.
During the winter months, the frozen Songhua River becomes a hub of activity for winter sports like ice skating, ice sailing, ice biking and recreational opportunities. You can take a leisurely walk along the riverbank to capture the etheral beuty of the frozen river.
Going to Beijing – check my Beijing travel guide – tips & advice for discovering real China.
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