Harbin is located in North Eastern province of Heilongjiang in China. In the depths of winter, Harbin's average 24-hour temperature is a chilly -18.4 degrees Celsius, however residents have found a way to celebrate this bitterly cold weather. The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is the jewel in the crown for Northern China. Famed across the world, the event began in 1985. It opens on the 5th January every year and lasts for one month - although it often opens earlier and continues for longer, weather permitting. It's a magical winter wonderland of activity and artistry making the most of the abundant snow and ice that this brutal cold weather makes possible.
Traveling to Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Harbin or The Ice City as it is known is accessible via Harbin Taiping International Airport, which is the second largest in Northeastern China, by car and also by railway - which is the most common method of transport. Harbin's train station receives over 100 trains each day and connects to most major cities in China. The train network in China is efficient and extremely reasonable and if you are prepared to sit back for a few hours and enjoy the scenery of the rolling mountains and pass through numerous villages, its defiantly one of the best ways to travel and see the land at the same time. For a 6-hour train journey, prices start at approximately 47 Yuan or $8 USD for a one-way ticket.
A Winter Wonderland in Northern China
Brightly lit snow and ice sculptures can be seen everywhere throughout the City of Harbin, but the main events occur at Zhaolin Park and Sun Island, the home of the world famous Harbin International Ice and Snow World. Zhaolin Park offers the visitor the opportunity to wonder at the art, craftsmanship, design and story behind every one of these exquisitely sculpted designs. This year it is also hosting an international competition allowing artists from all countries of the globe to showcase their ice sculptures to the public. Zhaolin Park is in the Centre of Daoli District the heart of the City and a short 5 minute walk from Central Street or also known as Zhongyang Dajie. Zhaolin Park costs 200 Yuan or $33USD per person and this allows an unlimited viewing time in the park.
Sun Island holds the Ice and Snow World event, the main event of the Festival. On a huge scale the Ice and Snow World conquers the skyline with its colossal illuminated structures including fairytale like castles, pagodas and even an enormous Coca Cola bottle. Each structure consists of a number of ice blocks, similar to bricks which have had an electric colored light placed in them. These ice blocks have been taken from the frozen Songhua River in Harbin and sawed, carved and scraped until each sculpture is meticulously completed.
This idyllic fairytale land also has horse and carriage rides and various acts from Chinese and Western performers. The wonder and beauty of these attractions are undeniable. With visitors from across China and some foreign tourists travelling to marvel at this sight. The Ice and Snow World offers a unique and unforgettable experience being one of only four Ice and Snow Festivals in the world.
Tickets for Ice and Snow World cost 300 Yuan or $50USD per person and again allow you as long as you wish to wander around the park. This also includes the cost of any snow slides and rides and also any shows which this year include Chinese dance, Western dance and a magic show, held in an indoor arena which is a great opportunity to defrost. If you plan to spend a long period of time at Ice and Snow World be sure to duck into one of the many cafes offering drinks and snacks to allow your body to warm up, the temperatures can get very very low! Sun Island is located out of town on the banks of the Songhua River, from Central Street taxi‘s can cost anywhere from 40 Yuan to 100 Yuan ($6 to $16USD) depending on traffic and the time of year, during Chinese New Year be prepared to pay a little more.
What else does Harbin have to offer?
In addition to the annual Ice and Snow Festival Harbin offers lots for visiting tourists to see and do. With a heavy Russian influence in the City the architecture is a mixture of Chinese and Russian side by side. This combination is also mirrored in the local eateries. Harbin boasts many culinary delights for visitors. A number of traditional Chinese restaurants serving some of the best local food as well as many Russian inspired eateries where you can experience a traditional Russian meal.
The Russian Orthodox Church St Sophia’s Cathedral which was completed in 1932 is a testament to the contrast of architecture in Harbin, with a beautifully sculpted domed roof and ornate gold and green finish the church will make you think you are standing in Moscow! The outside of the church offers some great photo opportunities and the entrance to see inside is a mere 20 Yuan or $3.30USD. Inside the church there are many black and white photos from Harbin‘s history and a chance to see the changes and influences which have molded this magnificent City.
Harbin is commonly known throughout China and the world as the Ice City, but the harsh weather conditions are well worth enduring for the opportunity to see this spectacular City and marvel at its celebrated Ice and Snow Festival.
Chloe Batrick - Chloe is from the UK but has spent the last few years travelling spending alot of her time in South East Asia and lived in Cambodia for ...
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