Harbin – China’s ice and snow Wonderland

 

Chinese have been given accolades to Harbin as “Pearl under the Neck of a Swan”. Each year, Harbin is transformed into a wonderland, full of snow and lights at the Ice and Snow Festival. Let’s get to know more about the fairy-tale world of ice called Harbin!

 

4 Top tourist attractions

Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Every year, the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival officially opens on 5th of January and lasts for one month. Sun Island Scenic Spot features snow sculptures, while the Grand World of Ice and Snow features ice sculptures. You can also participate in all sorts of ice activities.

 

 

Saint Sophia Cathedral
St. Sophia Cathedral in Harbin is the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the Far East, a Russian style cathedral you can find in China. Inside has been converted to a museum. If you have time, we suggest you visit the cathedral during the day as well as in the evening to fully appreciate its beauty.

 

 

Volga Manor
The Volga Manor offers a glimpse of charming Russian pastoral scene in North China Harbin. You will feel like you’re not in China, with all the Russian music playing in the background.

 

 

Unit 731 Museum
Inside the building which displays black-and-white photographs and relics from that period donated by locals to remind people of the horrible experiments performed here during World War II.

 

 

3 Top Activities To Do

Stroll at Zhongyang Pedestrian Street
You will find restaurants and souvenir shops full of Russian tourist merchandise. It will be best to go at night when the beautiful lights come on that adorn the Russian-inspired buildings and streets.

 

 

Watch Winter Swimming
Every year, Harbin winter swimming game on the Songhua River add bustling with noise and excitement to Harbin. Winter swimming is a very popular outdoor physical activity showing off the strong physique and iron of Harbin local people.

 

Enjoy Hot Springs in the Ice and Snow
Located in Daqing, Lindian Hot Spring is 3 hours drive away from Harbin city. The spring water comes from 1792 meters underground with a temperature of 39.5－41.5°C. You can also play billiards; do some reading or fishing; enjoy local Er Ren Zhuan performance and Bonfire night at its activity center.

 

 

Travel Tips

* In Harbin, the winter temperature will be from -25°C (-13°F) to -10°C (14°F). Thermal underwear, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, hats, facemasks, thick arctic clothing, and boots are necessary items to carry. Ski boots would be ideal. In order to prevent snow blindness, you have to wear sunglasses or snow glasses.

* Frostbite prevention is important. If your hands, feet, ears, nose, or other extremities, start losing sense due to the cold, do not wash them with hot water. Ideally, retreat to a warmer indoor environment and rub them vigorously to restore the circulation slowly.

*Drink plenty of water, it is very dry in Harbin (average humidity is 2%).

 

Check the itinerary 3-Day Frozen Harbin Tour.

Would you like to know more information about Harbin? Please do not hesitate to contact our travel consultants!