Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is the coldest of China’s major cities, with average temperatures below freezing through February.
But when the temperatures go down, the number of tourists goes up! Skiing and other winter sports are only part of the reason… the main attraction is the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, also known as Harbin Ice Festival. Starting in January, the city-wide celebration runs through February, and many of the sculptures remain standing until they melt in the spring.
In 2012 and 2013, the Ice Festivals combined drew more than 28 million. 2016 marks the 30th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, featuring massive sculptures made from huge blocks of ice cut from the Songhua River, which flows through Harbin.
There are ice sculptures in squares and along the primary streets, but the most remarkable can be found in three distinct areas. Sun Island, the riverside park, houses the snow sculpture exhibition. Think gigantic sand castles, only made of snow and adorned with imaginative figures. Snow and Ice World is dedicated to more historical themes, when the winter festival was noted for its unique ice lanterns. Finally, Zhaolin Park is the site that includes a bit of everything, and has the most central location.
Despite the popularity and large numbers of visitors, Harbin Ice Festival is never truly overcrowded since the events occur over two months. Advise your travelers to bring warm clothes, gloves, boots and snow caps… they will have an unforgettable vacation in Harbin!
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