Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Background

Harbin's ice lantern tradition goes back to the winter ice lantern garden parties that began in 1963 and were later interrupted for a time. On January 5, 1985, Harbin announced an annual ice and snow festival, and January 5 has been the festival's opening day ever since. The main venue, Harbin Ice and Snow World, lies on the west side of Sun Island in Songbei District. It opened in 1999 and is rebuilt from river ice every year; its giant ice structures, ice slides, and illuminated night scenery are the biggest draws. The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo is known for large snow sculptures best seen by day, Zhaolin Park continues the traditional ice lantern show, and on the Songhua River there is an ice and snow carnival, winter swimming, and all kinds of ice activities.

Local customs

• See the illuminated ice structures of Ice and Snow World at night
• ride the ice slides
• view the snow sculptures on Sun Island by day
• stroll through the Zhaolin Park ice lanterns
• try ice activities and watch winter swimming at the Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival

Travel tips

• By custom the festival opens on January 5 each year
• Ice and Snow World usually opens in late December and closes in mid to late February as temperatures rise. The 2027 dates are subject to official announcement. Ice and Snow World is in the Sun Island area on the north bank of the Songhua River and can be reached from the city by public transport or taxi. Night temperatures are very low, so visit in stages and warm up indoors regularly. Ticket prices are subject to official announcement.

2027 schedule

• By custom the 2027 festival opens on January 5, with Ice and Snow World open until around late February
• exact dates are pending official announcement.