Sun Island

Background

Sun Island lies in Songbei District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on the north bank of the Songhua River, facing Stalin Park across the water. The scenic area covers about 38 square kilometres; it is a wetland scenic area in the heart of the city and a national 5A scenic area. On the island are Squirrel Island, the Russian-style town, the Ice and Snow Art Museum, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Memorial Park, the Sun Gate main entrance and the Bathing Sun Terrace viewing platform. One explanation of the name is that Manchu people fished and hunted here, and the Manchu name of the bianhua fish in the Songhua River sounded like the Chinese word for "sun"; another says the island's sandy ridges grew especially hot in the sunshine. In the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty the island was developed as a naval camp. After the Chinese Eastern Railway was built in the early 20th century, many Russian emigrants came to Harbin and built villas on the island, where they picnicked and swam, leaving behind buildings full of foreign flair. In winter the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo (Snow Expo) is a key part of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Harbin Ice and Snow World is a separate ice-and-snow theme park and not the same exhibition as the Snow Expo.

Local customs

• See the giant snow sculptures at the Snow Expo in winter
• in summer, take a boat on the Songhua River and stroll around Squirrel Island and the Russian-style town
• enjoy ice sculptures at the Ice and Snow Art Museum in any season
• look out over the Songhua River from the Bathing Sun Terrace.

Travel tips

• The island is large, so allow half a day to a full day. Winter is snow sculpture season, and the Snow Expo's opening dates and tickets are as officially announced
• summer is ideal for escaping the heat, when flowers and wetlands are at their best
• spring and autumn see fewer visitors.
• Take Harbin Metro Line 2 to Sun Island Station, which brings you right to the main entrance
• or walk from around Central Street to the Songhua River and cross by boat, subject to local arrangements.