It’s not that you can’t afford to go to Paris, but rather Harbin offers a better value for money. Ice and Snow World, Central Street, Songhua River…
Harbin has truly won the hearts of many this winter. If you want to visit but don’t know how to plan your trip, just follow this guide compiled by our editor, and you’ll be all set!
Must-Visit Attractions: Fun and No Disappointments
Ice and Snow World
The “winter-limited castle” is built with real ice, and it’s said to be the largest in scale in history this year. The Ice and Snow World is dreamy and beautiful during the day. The sunlight shines on the crystal-clear ice sculptures, refracting a myriad of colors, making it look like a fairy-tale kingdom dominated by blue and white tones.
For those who want to catch the sunset, please note that due to Harbin’s high latitude, it gets dark early. You can see the sunset as early as 3 pm, and the ice sculptures are even more stunning under the sunset glow!
The lights will be turned on at 16:00, and the colorful light show offers a unique charm. The temperature at night is a bit colder than during the day, so remember to keep warm.
Address: Ice and Snow World, Songbei District, Harbin
Ticket: ￥328 (subject to official announcement)
Opening Hours: 11:00 am, Lights on at 16:00 pm
Hayao Sixth Factory
China’s own “Louvre” – Hayao Sixth Factory. The building occupies a vast area, with a European-style exterior that is solemn, elegant, majestic, and grand, reminiscent of the streets of Paris.
It’s suitable for friends who love taking photos. For those who are not that interested in photography, it’s recommended to plan other itineraries.
Address: Southeast Gate of Hayao Sixth Factory
St. Sophia Cathedral
Harbin’s unique geographical location (close to Russia) allows the convergence and integration of Eastern and Western cultures. St. Sophia Cathedral is a landmark building in Harbin, standing in Sophia Square in the Daoli District. It was built in 1907 and is an Eastern Orthodox church with Byzantine style.
The cathedral was designed by Russian architects, so it features traditional Russian tent-shaped roofs and onion domes. The exterior is magnificent and dignified, while the interior decorations and paintings are extremely exquisite.
Address: No. 88 Toulong Street, Daoli District, Harbin
Ticket: Free for exterior; ￥20/person for interior visit
Interior Visit Opening Hours: 9:00-11:30
Afternoon concerts: 13:00/15:30/18:30, three sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes
Lighting time: Around 16:00
(Closed on Mondays)
Central Street
Central Street is located in the Daoli District. The street architecture includes various styles such as Renaissance and Baroque, which are very beautiful. It is the most prosperous commercial pedestrian street in Harbin.
Russian goods stores can be seen everywhere along the street, with various types of big Russian bread prominently displayed in the windows. There are also must-buy candied hawthorns and Madiel ice cream (which won’t melt even if you walk outside with it all day in this weather). It’s a commercial street with a strong business atmosphere. Friends who don’t like commercial streets can consider whether to visit or not.
Address: Central Street, Harbin
Music Corridor
In winter, Harbin is full of big snowmen everywhere. The most photogenic and popular ones are the big snowmen here in the Music Corridor, which has become a popular check-in spot. No matter from which angle you take photos, they all look great!
Address: Intersection of Youyi West Road and Shangjiang Street, Harbin Music Park, Daoli District, Harbin
Songhua River
In winter, the entire Songhua River freezes over, and ice playgrounds are set up along the riverbank, featuring ice activities that southerners have never experienced before, such as big slides and snow tubes!
You can also see the Diamond Sea: the blue ice blocks scattered on the ice surface look like shining blue diamonds under the sunset glow. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and take atmospheric fireworks photos!
Address: Navigate to Sand Beach Tribe and walk inwards
Harbin Polar Park
Harbin Polar Park is the world’s first polar performing arts amusement park, one of the four major scenic spots of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and China’s first amusement park centered on polar animal entertainment performances.
You can also see the recently popular “truant penguins” parading on TikTok!
Address: No. 3 Taiyang Avenue, Songbei District, Harbin
Ticket: Polar Pavilion ￥198; Ocean Pavilion ￥125
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00
Must-Eat Delicacies in Northeast China
Morning Market Snacks
Hongzhuan Morning Market is located in Daoli District, Harbin, and is one of the most famous morning markets in Harbin. It is a traditional Harbin market with a strong atmosphere. If you want to experience the rich northeast folk culture and northeast prices, you can’t miss it!
Recommended food: fried cakes, frozen pears and persimmons, crispy beef pie, barley porridge, Harbin red sausage, honey bread…
Address: Starting from the intersection of Hongzhuan Street and Tongjiang Road (300 meters away from Central Street)
Opening Hours: 6:00-9:00
Russian Cuisine
Russian Western cuisine is a unique symbol of Harbin and has been developing in Harbin for nearly a century. In China, if you want to taste the most authentic Russian dishes, you probably have to come to Harbin, known as the “Little Paris of the East”.
Northeast Cuisine
Is there anyone who doesn’t like sweet and sour pork? It’s a must-order dish at Northeast restaurants, with a golden color, crispy texture, and a sweet and sour taste that’s just right~
Originating from the Northeast and dominating the streets and alleys of various parts of the country, the most popular snack is none other than Northeast grilled cold noodles.
The cold noodles are placed on an iron plate, topped with an egg. After the steam rises, vinegar is poured, sugar is sprinkled, sauce is brushed, and green onions and cilantro are added, along with your favorite toppings. It’s sour, sweet, and filling. It can be described in four words: delicious! Love it!
When coming to Harbin, you must check out the famous Northeast dish – pork stew with vermicelli! In the steaming pot, the perfect combination of pork belly and vermicelli, along with the thick soup, is a winter treat for the taste buds~
This winter, you should definitely visit Harbin at least once. Save this guide from the editor and go see a romantic snow scene~
