The last of the melting snow at Harbin’s Ice Festival

The world’s largest ice festival in Harbin, China, takes place annually during the winter season. It’s a magical affair, like you’ve entered a cinematic, fairy-tale world with plenty to see and do. From winter sports like ice skating and sledding to brightly-lit, grandiose ice exhibitions, this winter wonderland is well worth visiting. That said, it can get a bit crowded, and planning your trip there may feel a bit daunting, especially as this event isn’t that well-known outside of China. To help you enjoy the best experience of the Harbin Ice Festival (also known as the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival), we’ve put together a handy guide; find out the best time to go, how to get there, what to wear, and much more.

Introducing the ice festival of Harbin, China

The city of Harbin is located in the northeast of China, up near the border with Russia, and in the depths of winter it becomes a snowy, ice-bound destination. Since 1985, the locals have reveled in the freezing temperatures, which regularly plummet to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius), as they dedicate their time to building increasingly complex ice sculptures of animals, iconic buildings, and ice rides.

Some of the sculptures are up to 50m high, and at nighttime, many of these spectacular works are lit up by sophisticated, computer-controlled LEDs. Without doubt, the Harbin Ice Festival is one of the more unique and magical winter events you’ll come across in China, and is perfect for visiting as a couple or with enthralled children in tow.

Read more: Take the family on a vacation to China

How to travel to Harbin

Harbin is an overnight train ride or short flight from Beijing. The capital is likely to be similarly snowbound in the months of December, January and February, though not as cold as Harbin. Note that it’s nearly a 15-hour drive from the capital city, which is not the most convenient mode of transport for travelers. Your best bet is to board one of 16 high-speed trains and bullet trains from Beijing to Harbin, which run between 8am and around 5.30pm. This trip takes five to six hours, and ticket prices range between $51 and $260 (¥367 to ¥1,868).

For complete ease, our local experts have designed a dedicated itinerary through which you can easily experience the awe of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. It’s fully customizable, and includes private land transfers, admission tickets and more, taking the stress and trouble out of the planning process.

Read more: Interview with a local expert in China

The best time to join the Harbin City Ice Festival

The best time to join the festival is in January, specifically earlier in the month before the crowds of Chinese New Year pour in. This is also when the ice sculptures are at their freshest, and the weather is cold enough to keep them intact. That said, by mid-January, all the sculptures will be fully complete.

You can also go in mid-February, when the statues and sculptures start to melt a little as the weather slowly becomes warmer. Don’t worry, you’ll still see all the frozen wonders, just not in their very best shape. We wouldn’t recommend waiting until late February, however, as the festival may already be closed by then.

When you go is entirely up to you, but early to mid-January is the most rewarding time for a visit. Many more traditional sites will be open this time of year, and if you can stand the cold, the days are generally clear and often sunny. The Great Wall looks especially spectacular with snow on it, meaning that if you plan a winter escape to northern China around this time, you’re likely to have it to yourself.

10 fun things to do at and near the Harbin Festival

1. Admire Ice and Snow World

Ice and Snow World is the Harbin festival’s main attraction, where you’ll find the most awe-inspiring illuminated ice structures. Witness massive ice castles accompanied by colorful snowmen and other sculptures made from snow, including animals and houses.

You can ride the Ferris Wheel and see amazing views of the park, and there’s also a giant slide for some added fun. You’ll want to come at night when all the ice sculptures and carvings are beautifully lit up in vibrant colors. You’ll also find a variety of food stalls to try out and some gift shops to stock up on souvenirs.

2. Watch the winter swimming competition

Want to see something out of the box? See how professional swimmers take on the Songhua River in below-freezing conditions: this is not just a simple competition, as swimmers train for months from the fall season to be able to withstand the extremely cold waters. Otherwise, they’d risk getting hypothermia. This winter ice swimming tournament is held annually, and swimmers have to carve out pools in the frozen river before taking part in the shows and games.

3. Ski at Yabuli

The Yabuli Ski Resort is not only the oldest resort in China, it’s also home to the longest ski run in the country at 1.8 miles (3km). And that’s not all! It’s also the site of Central Asia’s longest toboggan run at 3.1 miles (5km). This resort has a hotel, villas, souvenir shops, and a ski rental store.

If as part of your trip to China, you’d like to ski in a scenic area surrounded by snow-capped mountains, then make this your go-to spot. Keep in mind that the average temperature at Yabuli is 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius) all year round, and can dip to -47 degrees Fahrenheit (-44 Celsius) in peak winter.

4. See the ice lantern exhibition

Take part in the oldest and largest Ice Lantern Show, which started all the way back in 1963. You’ll enjoy a dazzling display of ice lanterns in Zhaolin Garden, a hidden gem in Harbin. This park is located at 74 Friendship Road, buzzing with ice and snow entertainment activities to keep you busy all day and night.

Artists of various skill levels come here to create stunning sculptures using ice from the Songhua River. While this show may be smaller in scale, it offers a calmer experience compared to the busier and crowded bigger shows.

5. Take a cable car over the Songhua River

In winter, the Songhua River freezes over, and many visitors attempt to cross it. But there’s another way to traverse the river while taking in some splendid bird’s-eye views of the surrounding frozen city. The Harbin Cable Car launches from a large European castle on Sun Island, and a one-way trip lasts about 10 minutes.

6. Visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral

For a dose of history, make sure to stop by the ornate Saint Sophia Cathedral. This iconic Russian Orthodox church acts as a museum today, showcasing the opulent revival architecture and monumental art of the early 20th century with well-preserved mosaics and frescoes.

Known as the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East, it stands 175ft (53m) tall on the corner of Toulong Street and Zhaolin Street. While it’s impressive on the outside, the inside is just as alluring as the church practically doubles as an art gallery, displaying paintings of old Harbin. The church is open every day from 8.30am to 5pm, and the entrance fee is ¥15 ($2) per person.

Read more: China’s historical highlights

7. Enjoy a hot pot meal inside an ice house

If you want a memorable, authentic experience of Harbin, you can’t go wrong with the hot pot restaurants all over the city. A hot pot is simply a must-try in such extremely cold weather, but making it more special is the setup: you’ll be inside an ice house where everything from the roofs to tables and seats is made of ice blocks. Even your cup will be made from solid ice!

It might sound chilly, but once you’re inside with the steamy hot food and yummy aromas, you’ll instantly feel warm. For obvious reasons, these ice house restaurants are only found in winter and are rebuilt annually, making them a true one-of-a-kind attraction. The seasonal Ice Palace Restaurant and Ice Bar by the Shangri-la Hotel is an excellent option for this.

8. Stop by Sun Island

Sun Island is another fascinating park to visit in Harbin, where you’ll come across snow sculptures and international competitions. The park is also used as a playground for a slew of winter sports, from sledding and skiing to skating.

The Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo is held here yearly from January to February. Each year, the competition is inspired by a different cultural theme and showcases the exquisite talent of local artists. Also, visit the Sun Island Ice and Snow Art Gallery while you’re here to see more than 100 ice landscapes. It’s the largest indoor ice lantern and snow sculpture gallery in the world, so you know you’re in for a treat.

9. Snap some pictures at Zhongyang Central Pedestrian Street

Zhongyang Street is located in the heart of Harbin’s charming historic neighborhood, offering visitors picturesque scenery for street photography. This famous road has a blend of Russian influence and traditional Chinese culture, allowing you to take pictures of European-style buildings featuring Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Stretching for almost 1 mile (1.5km), the street is lined with pretty lights, ice sculptures, antique shops, food stalls, and elegant hotels.

10. Explore the Volga Manor Theme Park

Located on the banks of the Ashi River in Xiangfang District is a Russian-themed country park worth exploring. The Volga Manor offers more of a charming pastoral scenery surrounded by a gorgeous winter landscape. Take your time to appreciate the Russian buildings and lovely views, before going down the giant snow slide or practicing your movements on the beginner-friendly ski slope.

This estate has a hotel and restaurant as well, and you can visit every day between 8.30am and 5pm.

What to wear to the Snow and Ice Festival in Harbin

Of course, it’s going to be cold, so prepare to pack all your winter essentials:

• A thick winter coat: You’ll want to have a high-quality down jacket with a hood for optimal insulation to protect yourself from freezing temperatures.
• Warm wool socks, a must to keep your feet warm while wandering around the festival.
• Waterproof snow boots: Your regular boots won’t cut it unless you want to end up with wet socks. Go for boots with good traction and insulation to keep your feet dry in snowy conditions.
• Thermal base layers: Whether wool or synthetic, a base layer (or several) is essential to keep you comfortable and warm.
• Mid-layer fleece sweater, or for extra warmth, opt for an inner jacket that’s insulated, weatherproof, and designed for layering under a winter coat.
• Mittens: Thick, insulated gloves or mittens will prevent your hands from being exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Waterproof pants: Ski pants or any other water and windproof pants will do you good while outside in Harbin.
• Scarves and lined beanies to keep your ears, neck, and head covered.

FAQs about the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival

What language do they speak in Harbin?

The locals speak a type of Harbin dialect derived from Mandarin Chinese. Note that the vast majority of the population cannot speak fluent English. So, try to learn a few sentences before your trip, and make sure to install a translating app on your phone before interacting with locals.

How cold is the Ice Festival in Harbin?

The average temperature in Harbin in December is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius). The daytime temperature is usually around 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 Celsius), dropping to lows of -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius) at night.

January is the coldest month, with the average temperature being roughly -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius), peaking at 7 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 Celsius) and dropping to a low of -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 Celsius).

February starts warming up a bit, with the average temperature usually around 18 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 Celsius). Expect highs typically around 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 Celsius) and lows averaging around -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 Celsius).

What food is Harbin known for?

Harbin is mainly known for its dumplings, stews, and sausages. It’s also home to delicious ice cream and dishes that are influenced by Russia, such as coffee, beef stroganoff, beer, and borscht soup. The city offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample both Russian and local Harbin cuisine in one trip.

Read more: A regional guide to China for foodies

How long does the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival last?

The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opens in late December and lasts for about two months, until late February.

Is Harbin, China expensive?

While not considered an expensive destination in general, Harbin is known for its ice festival in winter, which can be quite costly. How much you end up spending depends on when you go and what you do. Ticket and accommodation prices go up during the peak festival season. To give you an idea, the cost of visiting Harbin for a week during the ice festival can range from $40 for budget travel up to $140 per day for mid-range to luxury experiences.

Make it happen

Harbin is a city full of surprises, blending Chinese and Russian cultures to offer those who visit a feast for the senses. Whether you want to explore the Harbin Ice Festival in depth or combine it with more incredible experiences, get in touch with our locally-based experts for more advice today. All itineraries created by them are 100% bespoke and unique to you, so you’re guaranteed a memorable vacation in China.