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What to do on your trip to Harbin

As a an island girl living in China I have been able to see the vastness that dwells within this country. I’ve experienced the different seasons and travelled to places that seem to transport me to another country all while still remaining in China.

It’s winter and a vacation is always the first thing in my list of things to do. The normal winter vacation generally sees most of us craving some sun sea, and sand. But not this year. This year we sought out a winter wonderland.

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland to escape from the normal tropical escape or just something different from the regular ski resort trip. Look no further, Harbin is your go-to destination! Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang province, China. Harbin has something for everyone in my opinion, from history buffs to adventure seekers. The city is most known for its ice and snow sculpture festival that takes place in the months of December, January and February.

We journeyed to Harbin on a three hour direct flight from Wuhan. For three days we explored the magnificent city that is Harbin. Here’s a rundown of what you can do on a three-day trip to Harbin.

Day One: Ice and Snow World

I suggest that you arrive on an earlier flight either morning or early afternoon. This will help to maximize your first day. The main attraction is the Ice and Snow World. Here giant sculptures made of ice and snow are illuminated at night, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere.

It’s my opinion that Ice and Snow Festival be dedicated it’s own day. It’s the main attraction and I think you should take your time to explore it and not feel rushed to move on to a next sight. There are several activities you can indulge in and so many sculptures to admire. There are even intermittent performances and also fireworks at some point in the night.

I suggest arriving before the sunsets so you can see the sculptures transform from day to night as they light up. During winter the sun sets about 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon. So keep that in mind when planning activities. The festival gives you a feeling of wonder, excitement and adventure. You can even try the longest ice slide in the world there, go ice skating or ride a giant Ferris Wheel and see the entire festival from the perfect view at the top.

Admission to Ice and Snow World was RMB293 (USD $40), and it included admission to the Ferris Wheel.

Day Two: Sun Island Park and Siberia Tiger Park

Day two can be spent at both the Sun Island Park and the Siberia Tiger Park. I suggest you begin the day early to get the most out of the day light in Harbin. Sun Island Park can really immerse you in an experience like no other. In the winter, the park is transformed into a snowy paradise where you can go sledding or take a leisurely walk. There is an array of snow sculptures on exhibition, showcasing some of the most intricate work done by various sculptors.

Outside the park there are several activities that can be done on the frozen Songhua River. Tubing, driving and ATV or even getting the chance to witness divers taking the polar plunge into the freezing water under the ice.

One thing to keep in mind is how cold you’ll be when taking part in an outdoor activity such as this while in Harbin. Temperatures while we where there ranged from -19°C to -25°C. And with wind chill it was even colder. So at some point you will need to take a break to warm up inside one of the buildings you can find at the park. The good thing is you can pay to have a shuttle bus take you at the key spots in the park.

Admission to the Sun Island Park was RMB200 (USD $27) and the bus ride was RMB25 (USD $3).

Siberia Tiger Park

You can then take a DiDi to the Siberian Tiger Park after. The names of all the sights pop up in English on the DiDi App. Once at the park you enter a bus and the tour is conducted from the bus. The tigers are allowed to roam free, so you must stay inside the bus. There are other areas you can walk and see other animals like horses and feed them also. At the end of the tour through the exit area there is a caged area where you can feed the tigers meat that you can buy at a cost of RMB100 (USD $14).

Admission to the Siberian Tiger Park was RMB130.

Day Three: Cable cart ride across the frozen river, St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street

On the last day, you can explore Harbin’s history and architecture by visiting the St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street. But first I would suggest you take a quick cable cart ride across the Songhua River. The view is magical and like nothing I have ever seen before. Once you get off the cable cart you can explore a Russian food truck arrangement or wa. It was closed when we visited, so we went to explore the left over ice that was harvested from the river.

The sculptures from the ice and snow festival are made from the ice taken from the Songhua River. What ever is left over is returned to the river. This is also located close to Sun Island Park. And could also be done on the same day you visit that attraction.

Admission to the cable carts was RMB80 (USD $11) which also includes your return.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral

Once you’ve had your fun walking on a frozen river and maybe attempting to ice skate or stopping for some hot chocolate, you can make your way to St. Sophia Cathedral. With no traffic it’s maybe a 10 minute taxi ride from the cable carts.

The St. Sophia Cathedral was built in 1907 and is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture (Eastern Orthodox Church). Many people come to take wedding photos here and others come to just admire the architecture of the Cathedral.

The Central Street, located in the city center, is a pedestrian street with buildings that date back to the Russian colonial era. While we were there it was packed. We tried to have lunch at a Russian restaurant there twice, but it was packed. Th wait time was about three hours for a table so we went to a different area.

Central Street

Nonetheless it is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, try some traditional Harbin cuisine and try the famous Harbin popsicles.

Side note the popsicles in my opinion are not tasty at all. We tried both flavors: vanilla and chocolate (RMB10 about USD$1.5). And we didn’t like them much, they weren’t awful but not very tasty. But, hey we have the memory of eating popsicles in -23°C weather!

An honorable mention is the Volga Manor if you are interested in Russian architecture or would like to stay in unique Russian designed hotel. You can visit Volga Manor. Admission was RMB168 (USD$23). It included the bus ride and lunch.

Volga Manor

Harbin is a fantastic destination that will leave you in awe with its beauty and charm. Get your thermals and heavy coats ready and put in on your list of places to visit next!