The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, established in 1985, pioneered international ice and snow celebrations in China. It proudly stands as one of the "Four Major International Ice and Snow Events," a group that also includes the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada, and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Oslo, Norway.

When to Visit:The festival officially kicks off around January 5 each year. However, major ice-and-snow attractions, such as the Harbin Ice and Snow World, typically begin a soft launch approximately two weeks prior to the opening date.

Duration:It usually runs through late February or early March, entirely dependent on weather conditions.

The ice and snow festival isn't confined to a single attraction; it's a city-wide series of events primarily concentrated in the following core zones:

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Artisans harvest ice from the Songhua River to construct towering ice castles, towers, and slides reaching dozens of meters high. As dusk falls, tens of thousands of LED lights illuminate the structures, transforming the entire city of ice into a fantastical winter kingdom.

Must-Try Experiences

Take on the challenge of the Super Ice Slide, stretching hundreds of meters long.

Admire the annually redesigned, iconic main ice tower.

Catch the large-scale indoor song-and-dance and acrobatic performances, such as the "Harbin Ice Show," alongside outdoor ice and snow parades.

Try out fun activities such as ice bicycles and snow bumper cars.

Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo

Located within the Sun Island Scenic Area, this is recognized as the birthplace of snow sculpture art in China. Here, visitors can admire a vast collection of snow creations, ranging from world-famous architecture and mythological figures to various animal sculptures.

Ice Lantern Art Fair at Zhaolin Park

Held annually at Zhaolin Park, this event originated in 1963. It stands as the world's longest-running and largest-scale open-air ice lantern art exhibition, now a cherished local tradition.

Citywide Winter Wonderland

Street Ice Sculptures: The main streets and public squares of the city are transformed into an open-air gallery, featuring countless medium and small-sized ice and snow sculptures. These free-to-visit displays mean photo opportunities abound—literally everywhere you look is a scenic spot.

Harbin Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival: Once the Songhua River freezes over, its vast surface becomes a massive natural playground. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic northern winter fun by enjoying activities like skating, sleigh rides, and thrilling rides on ice hovercraft.

Yabuli Ski Resort: Situated roughly a three-hour drive from Harbin, Yabuli is one of China's famous ski destinations. During the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, the resort hosts a variety of exciting ski competitions and events.

Useful Tips

What to Wear: Harbin's winter can be bitterly cold, with real-feel temperatures plunging to –20°C or even –30°C. Bundle up with proper, heavy winter gear.

For Your Devices: Cameras and phones deplete their batteries fast in the cold. Keep a power bank with you.