Harbin; Global Winter Wonderland

Harbin; Global Winter Wonderland, also known as the ‘Ice-City’ becomes a major tourist hotspot.

Tourists are braving the freezing weather to visit the snow-covered St. Sophia Cathedral, a century-old Byzantine structure in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. Many are pausing to capture the picturesque scene in photos.

Known as the “Ice City,” Harbin has become a major winter travel hotspot in China, drawing visitors from across the globe. This year, the city has witnessed a surge in international tourists eager to explore its historic sites and winter attractions.

For Nadia Jovita Injilia Riso, an Indonesian tourist, visiting St. Sophia Cathedral was a dream come true. She was amazed by the stunning Western-style architecture and the sight of people dressed as royalty, which felt like stepping back in time.

While exploring Central Street, Harbin’s iconic pedestrian avenue, Riso was charmed by a harpist performing from a balcony and enjoyed tasting the city’s famed ice cream. She expressed her delight at the unexpected surprises, including the melodies, food, and warm hospitality of the locals.

Riso also visited Harbin Ice-Snow World, an iconic winter attraction, and is excited to try the outdoor Super Ice Slide. She marveled at the creativity of turning large ice sculptures into artistic masterpieces and plans to recommend the experience to her friends.

Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park, has continued to gain popularity this winter. On its opening day, the park welcomed 62,000 visitors, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for winter tourism in China.

For Moo Swee Ming from Malaysia, visiting Harbin is a must for first-time tourists. He and his tour group were particularly drawn to attractions like the “Snow Town” in Mudanjiang, ice sculptures on Central Street, and the Ice-Snow World.

Walking through Harbin’s Chinese Baroque Historic and Cultural Block, Tabutei Prasad from Fiji admired the detailed carvings on the doorways and windows. She was impressed by the blend of traditional Chinese courtyards with Baroque-style architecture, showcasing Harbin’s rich history and inclusive culture.

This historic district, home to China’s largest collection of Baroque architecture, has been revitalized with modern creative initiatives, adding to its allure.

Harbin’s younger generations also contribute to the city’s appeal. After visiting the Harbin Design Center, Japanese tourist Hiroki Ishii was impressed by the innovative use of the traditional northeast floral pattern in modern designs, such as everyday items and clothing. He admired how local designers have revived this cultural motif, turning it into a commercial success.

Harbin’s popularity continues to grow among global travelers. By Dec. 19, Harbin Taiping International Airport had processed 136,000 foreign tourists, a 181% increase compared to the previous year, according to the local immigration inspection station.

With the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games on the horizon, Harbin is set to attract even more international visitors. The city is improving tourist services by integrating advanced technologies into dining, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment, according to Wang Hongxin, director of Harbin’s tourism department.

Harbin is also developing new attractions and landmarks to offer global visitors an unforgettable ice-and-snow tourism experience, Wang added.