Harbin : The Ice City

Saint Sophia Church, It's the most popular landmarks

in Harbin and Heilongjiang Province in China.

Harbin, well known as the ‘Ice City’ is the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in China. Western style architecture especially, Russian brought Harbin another name ‘Oriental Moscow’. Harbin that does not have long history is known for the snow culture. Since it is covered in snow most of the time of the year, lots of snow festivals are conducted here. Tourists both from home and abroad come here to visit these two-month long festival. Usually Ice and Snow festival starts by January 5th and lasts till the end of February.

Places where you can find ice artworks during winter are Harbin Ice and Snow World, Ice Lantern Garden Party, and Sun Island Scenic Area. Harbin Ice and Snow World with ice sculptures, beautiful night scene and good recreational activities is the largest ice art exhibition in the world. This exhibition has different theme every year that enable visitors to understand the exhibit very easily. Make sure to see the exhibits at night when all of the sculptures are illuminated giving the area a fantasy- world look. Other than the exhibits, you also have ice maze, ice bar and restaurant and even an ice hotel. The Ice Lantern Garden Party that is held in Zhaolin Park is a wonderful example of locals’ talent in making use of the available resource, snow. Their ability to carve traditional Chinese lanterns out of ice blocks deserves appreciation. You can also participate in the activities such as hitting ice monkeys, sitting on ice boat, skating and can even watch bone- chilling swimming event. If that is not enough then participate in the Harbin Ice Festival night party where you can enjoy different performances. During Ice Lantern Garden Party, ice carving competition is held in which artists from all over the world participate. The Ice Lantern Party has 7 Guinness World Records and that makes the event very important and certainly worth a visit. 

 Zhaolin Park, during the winter this park houses ice sculptures for the festivals, 

but during the off season, it is a pleasant stroll as well.

Sun Island Scenic Area is definitely the best spot during summer. The main island and its small other islands offers eye-appealing views such as crystal clear waters, rockeries, beautiful flowers and buildings. Sun Island Scenic Area that is divided into three sections has 20 scenic spots. In the Animal World section, there are Deer Garden where you can see plenty of spotted deer in their natural environment, Squirrel Island where you can feed lots of squirrels and Swan Lake where you can see varieties of swans and ducks flapping their wings happily in the water. It is an excellent section where children can enjoy. The Flower Garden, which is located at the centre of the island, is divided according to 12 zodiac signs. The third section has Ice and Snow Section, Russian Section, and Memorial Garden. In the winter, Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo is conducted here.

Yabuli International Ski Resort, the most famous ski track in China.

Being the biggest and the best ski resort in China, the Yabuli International Ski Resort has attracted many professional skiers from around the world. Located at high elevation, it has temperature of -42 degree F and has fine snow suitable for skiing. The Yabuli International Ski Resort has training centre for alpine skiers and also hosts several skiing competitions. This is an excellent place to escape from summer heat and taking part in activities here such as hot-air balloons, gliders, and mini golf etc offers much fun.

Russian Town nearby Songhua river it's located in the center

of the city.

Zhaolin Park located at the northern end of Zhaolin Street was built in honor of General Li Zhaolin. With HuaGuo Mountain in the east, Meigui Mountain in the west, Xiaonan Islet in the south and glass flower cellar in the north, the park offers beautiful scenery to its visitors. An artificial lake with small bridges blends into the view and enhances the beauty of the park. Here in the park, there are small gardens to wander around such as Yingyu Garden, and Dingxiang Garden. Also, there is an open- air theatre, skate ring and playground for recreational activities. The flower and fish exhibition hall in the park proves to be very informative and is an excellent place for kids. It is here in this park that Harbin Ice Festival and Ice Lantern Festival are held annually. 

Since Harbin is one of the coldest places in China with an average temperature of -13 to -25 degree Celsius in winter, travelers should carry heavy layered winter jacket with them. It is worthy to mention that travelers need to carry small denomination bills as there is a chance to be cheated with counterfeit bills, especially in cabs. Those who have never experienced winter, visiting Harbin during ice festival is a perfect idea.