Categories: China

11 Things To Do In Harbin – Russian Towns, Igloo Dining & Year-Round Skiing

Things to do in Harbin


Japan, Korea and Europe – these are the usual culprits which pop up when we’re searching for winter destinations. But while these places have colder climates, they also involve long flights and expensive tour packages.

Enter Harbin, a city in China where the temperatures dip below -30°C in winter. It’s a popular destination with the Chinese but remains mostly untouched by international tourism. Here’s a list of cool things we did there.

The exchange rate is S$1 = RMB5.35 as of 14th January 2025.


When is the best time to visit Harbin?


Harbin is best known for its winter activities which happen between December to February every year. Most people time their visit to align with the renowned Harbin Ice Festival, which kicks off on 5th January annually. The festival runs till late February or early March, when the sculptures start to melt.

You’ll find that sculptures look the best in early-mid January – however, that’s also the peak season for local tourism. We suggest visiting slightly after that if you wish to dodge the crowds. Most travellers stay in Harbin for about a week.

Connecting flight prices from Singapore typically range between S$300-S$800 depending on which airlines you choose and when you choose to fly. Flight prices are similar during peak and off-peak seasons.


What to wear to Harbin during winter?


Harbin isn’t known as one of the coldest cities in the world for nothing! Temperatures often range between 13.2°C to -24.8°C during its coldest month, January.

Equatorial dwellers, you’ll need to be prepared for the frigid temperatures by layering right. This includes:

Also read our guide to where to find winter wear in Singapore.

Tip: The frigid temperatures can also affect your gadget’s battery life. Bring along coats with large pockets so you can store your phones and portable chargers close to your body to keep them toasty.


How to get around Harbin?


Harbin has a pretty well-developed public transport network with trains, buses, and taxis. The most common way to get around is via the local bus, which takes you to many of the popular attractions including Harbin Ice and Snow World. Bus fares range from around RMB1-2 per trip.

For less accessible locations, you can take their local version of Grab – called DiDi Taxi. Bookings can be done via the Didi Taxi app (iOS, Android). Prices are also inexpensive, and there is an English language interface for all those struggling to even write their own name in Mandarin.

Some of the more ulu attractions like Shuangfeng Forest require a combination of train + buses/Didi to get there. To save yourself the hassle, consider booking a day trip online on sites like Klook.


1. Sun Island


Gawk at the giant snow sculptures


They say good things come in small packages, but the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo begs to differ.


One of the sculptors created lifelike zebras using only water, snow, and black paper.

These ginormous works of art can all be found on Sun Island, which serves as one of the official hosting sites for the annual Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin between January to end February.

In spring and summer, this same island is a colourful paradise with fields of blooming flowers.

On the island, you can also find a miniature Russian Town. After being admitted entry with your Russian “passports”, you’ll get to check out dozens of cutesy buildings and figurines.

While not an exact representation of life in Russia, the quaint little ‘town’ has nice zen vibes and is a good place for a relaxing stroll.

Sun Island
Admission Fee
RMB150 (~S$28)
Google Reviews
3.8
(17)
Address
Sun Island, Songbei District, Harbin, China, 150010
Opening Hours:
Thursday 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Russian Style Town
Admission Fee
~S$7
Google Reviews
3.7
(112)
Address
China, Hei Long Jiang Sheng, Ha Er Bin Shi, Song Bei Qu, Ping Yuan Jie, 平原街 邮政编码: 150010
Opening Hours:
Thursday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

2. Harbin Grand Theatre Opera House


Take your OOTDs with futuristic architecture


With its smooth architectural curves and spiky “durian” roof, the Harbin Grand Theatre Opera House is like a distant Chinese cousin of our own iconic Esplanade. This theatre has hosted plenty of operas from Don Giovanni, Mozart to grand opening ceremonies for the Harbin Ice and Snow Culture and Arts Season.

Unlike our own arts theatre, however, this place was almost deserted when we visited on a random day. The locals and tourists barely visit unless there’s a show, so it’s a perfect place to nail that perfect architectural OOTD without having to crop anyone out of your pictures.

The sleek designs and spacious area offers plenty of opportunity to get creative with your poses and angles. Just make sure, you get a taxi to wait for you, or use Didi – the Chinese version of Grab – because it can be hard to make your way to the city if you’re not prepared!

Harbin Grand Theatre
Google Reviews
4.8
(48)
Address
RH4H+H3V, Bin Shui Da Dao, Song Bei Qu, Ha Er Bin Shi, Hei Long Jiang Sheng, China, 150010
Opening Hours:
Thursday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

3. Shangri-la Palace


Dine in an ice palace on frozen furniture



Image credit: @dhaeiday via Instagram

There’s no shortage of hotpot restaurants in Harbin, but if you’re looking for a frostier dining experience, try the Shangri-la Ice Palace.


Image credit: @thestickmadam via Instagram

The tables are located in ice igloos, where temperatures hover at a cool 20 degrees below zero. It’s so cold that the vapour from the hotpots condense into snowflakes which drift back into your laps.


Image credit: @acidtainton via Instagram

Alternatively, you can check out their ice bar, where even the furniture is made of ice. Talk about a cold drink.

Price: From RMB158/pax for a hotpot meal

Address: No.555 Youyi Road, Daoli District, Harbin 150018, China
Opening hours (Restaurant): 11.30am-2pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Daily
Opening hours (Ice Bar): 10am-10pm, Daily


4. Saint Sophia’s Cathedral


Bluff your friends you’ve gone to Russia


Snap a pic in front of the Saint Sophia’s Cathedral, and you can geotag Moscow without anyone calling you out.

The Russian church was built by the thousands of Russians who used to live in the city and today it’s preserved as a national heritage site.


Volga Manor.

Image credit: @kalmba_13 via Instagram


Image credit: @efmymla via Instagram

On the outskirts of the city, you can find Volga Manor nestled in the countryside. If you’re more into charming pastoral scenes, this Russian-style forest estate should be at the top of your Harbin bucket list.


St Nicholas Art Gallery,
a recreation of the destroyed St Nicholas Cathedral.
Image credit: @hendralinanda via Instagram

Besides the Russian buildings and pretty views, the estate also features a giant snow slide, a ski slope for beginners, and even a hotel with a restaurant. Be sure to set aside enough time for this attraction, because the list of activities here warrants an entire day’s itinerary!

Address: 88 Toulong St, Daoli Qu, Haerbin Shi, Heilongjiang Sheng, China, 150010
Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm, Daily

Volga Manor
Admission Fee
From RMB¥120 (~S$22.40)
Google Reviews
4.4
(539)
Address
China, Hei Long Jiang Sheng, Ha Er Bin Shi, Xiang Fang Qu, 027县道成高子镇民强村 邮政编码: 150303
Opening Hours:
Thursday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Getting there: You can take a bus or taxi, but the best option is to book a car and a driver for a day, which will cost around RMB400.


5. Songhua River


Walk over a frozen river


In winter, Songhua River freezes into the biggest ice cube you’ve ever seen. The ice is a meter deep – thick enough for skating, sledding, ice top spinning and all kinds of wintery festivities.

Spanning across the river is the Harbin Cable Car. Even if you’ve taken the cable car across Sentosa before, I’d still recommend hopping on this ride. The view of the vast river and the frozen city is stunning, and you get to set off from a large European castle too!

Harbin Cable Car
Price:From RMB50
Address:
218 Tongjiang St, Daoli Qu, Haerbin Shi, Heilongjiang Sheng, China


6. Shuangfeng Forest Farm


Step into a snowy village


Shuangfeng Forest Farm is a small village buried in the mountains, a whopping 300km away from Harbin. The ride took 6 hours, but when we finally arrived, it was well worth the trip.

If the little wooden houses and thick snowy roofs look like a scene out of a movie, that’s because it is. The village is so aesthetic, it’s been featured as the winter backdrop in more than a dozen Chinese films and tv series.

The prettiest sights can be found in a specially preserved area called Dream Garden. The view gets even better when night falls, because colourful lights illuminate the village, giving it a fairytale appearance.

Along the main street, you’ll find stalls with wares ranging from toys to frozen food and grilled meat. There’s also plenty of steamboat and barbecue restaurants offering satisfying hot meals.

While the buildings are made primarily of wood, the facilities indoors have become much more modernised and comfortable. We spent a night at one of the little town’s inns, and our rooms were clean, spacious and came with heated beds as well as WiFi.

We booked a tour on Chinese travel website Ctrip for just RMB835 per person, which included most of the attractions, 2 days of accommodation, food and transport, as well as a guide who was extra patient with our poor Chinese. While this tour is no longer available, you can find similar tours on Trip.com and Klook.

Tip: The tour was a good experience for us, but if you’re thinking of booking one too, be sure to use a reliable agency, and check your itinerary to see what’s included, and what’s not!


7. Ten Mile Art Corridor


Walk into an enhancing snowy forest


The snowy trees and pale landscape at the Ten Mile Art Corridor were a dead ringer for the woods outside the iconic wall in Game of Thrones.


Craster’s Keep, anyone?

Don’t be a Jon Snow here, because you’ll need to know what to wear. Windproof clothes are a must. Make sure you get solid boots too, because slipping on the ice and getting snow in your shoes are no fun at all.

A local guide will bring you through the forest, where you get to see quirky sights like this little stream that bravely defies the harsh winter by refusing to freeze despite temperatures being below 40°C.

There’s also a blessed shrine, where you can score some extra huat by tying a red ribbon nearby.

Rumour has it, there’s even a camp of highwaymen hidden in the forest, and they’ll challenge you for a passphrase if you are unlucky enough to bump into them. Answer them right, and they’ll invite you into their home for some warm sake.

Get the answer wrong, however, and they’ll be less kind to you. Apparently, they forcibly take foreign women as wives and use the men as slaves.

At least, that’s what our guide told us. We’ll let you decide if it’s true.

Getting there: As this attraction is more than 300km from Harbin City Centre, the most convenient way to get there is to book a day trip or hire a driver for the day. The Ten Mile Art Corridor is often visited with Shuangfeng Forest, both of which are nearby.


8. Yangcaoshan & Tudingshan


Catch the sunrise on a mountaintop


Image credit: HeilongjiangChannel

2 other highlights near Snow Town are Yangcaoshan and Tudingshan. These mountains are more than 1.6km above sea level, and award-winning photographs have been snapped here. If you don’t have a problem with getting out of bed early, they’re also good places to catch the sunrise.


Image credit: Mafengwo

The cold and the altitude can make for a taxing climb. Luckily, there’s a much quicker alternative – the snowmobile. You don’t even have to know how to use one, because a qualified staff member will ride with you.


9.  Yabuli Ski Resort


Ski to your hearts content


For all you adrenaline junkies out there, it’s time to get your ski gear out, because Yabuli Ski Resort has the largest ski slopes in all of China.

Even if you’re a complete amateur at skiing – like us – that’s fine, because there are plenty of professional coaches around. For RMB240, they’ll give you one-on-one ski tuition over the next 2 hours.

The resort provides rentals for all kinds of ski equipment too, so all you really have to bring is a sense of adventure.

Yabuli is located about 3 hours outside of Harbin, near Snow Town. If you’re looking for a closer option, Erlongshan Ski Resort is only an hour’s drive away from the city.

Both of these places have their own arsenal of snow making machines, in case the snowfall isn’t thick enough during winter. When the snow melts in summer, these resorts transform into aesthetic staycations, with verdant pine forests and lakes.

Yabuli Ski Resort
Google Reviews
3.9
(40)
Address
Shangzhi, Harbin, China, 150628
Opening Hours:
Thursday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Within Harbin itself, it’s ski season all year round at Wanda Indoor Ski Park, which has slopes of every difficulty, including the longest indoor ski slope in the world.


10. Zhongyang Dajie


Take a stroll down an European-style street


Back in the Russian era, Zhongyang Dajie, or Central Street, was a trade hub of Harbin. Today, the place has been dubbed as a “real-life gallery of European art”, and it’s the most scenic street in all of Harbin.

The street is reserved for pedestrian traffic only, so feel free to amble down the cobblestone road. Inside the traditional European-style buildings, you can find trendy brands like Under Armour and Nike, as well as plenty of eateries.

One of the restaurants we enjoyed the most was Eastern Dumpling King. It’s easy to see why they’re a Chinese speciality, because the ones we had were deliciously juicy. I was never a fan of cabbage, but after a plate of their white cabbage dumplings, I simply had to order a second one.

The menu offered more types of dumpling fillings than I even knew existed. And when we checked the bill, it cost the 4 of us only S$20 for a super satisfying meal.

Out in the street, you can find yang rou chuan, or lamb skewers sold by stalls for just RMB5 ($1). This Chinese version of our satay can be found almost anywhere in China, but sinking your teeth into the warm, succulent and well-spiced meat is especially satisfying in the cold.

Another popular treat is the Madier Ice Cream Pop (RMB5). If you think it’s too cold for ice cream in winter, think again, because the milk pops are actually warmer than the chilly air outside. They have a milky, chewy taste similar to the white rabbit candy that we couldn’t get enough of as children.

Zhongyang Dajie location on Google Maps


11.  Ice & Snow World


Explore Frozen-style ice castles


The Ice and Snow World is probably the first thing that pops up when you google Harbin, and a ticket costs RMB300. But the price and popularity are justified because witnessing these sprawling, frozen works of architecture is once in a lifetime experience.

The place is open during the day, but I’d recommend that you visit in the evening. That way you can watch the lights turn on as the sun sets, transforming the place into a whimsical display of lights.

Harbin Ice & Snow World
Admission Fee
Standard tickets: RMB330/pax (~S$61)
Google Reviews
4.6
(111)
Address
China, Hei Long Jiang Sheng, Ha Er Bin Shi, Dao Li Qu, 兆麟公园 邮政编码: 150036
Opening Hours:
Thursday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Alternatively, you can check out Wanda Realm (RMB198) at Wanda Mall, or the Ice Lantern Display (RMB150) at Zhaolin Park. Both of these are less pricey options, but still dazzling nonetheless!


A smaller and more affordable version of Bingxue Ice World.

Bingxue Big World
Address: Songbei Ave, Taiyangdao Residential District, Songbei Qu, Haerbin Shi, Heilongjiang Sheng, China

Zhaolin Park
Address: Zhao Lin Gong Yuan, 377 Sen Lin Jie, Daoli Qu, Haerbin Shi, Heilongjiang Sheng, China, 150010

Wanda Realm
Address: 158 Zhongxing Avenue, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China 150080


Scoot to Harbin

January 2025 update: Direct flights from Singapore to Harbin are currently unavailable. However, you can fly to cities in China like Hangzhou (from S$374 return) via Scoot and transit to a second flight to Harbin via local airlines.

Here in the sweltering heat of Singapore, summer is a year-round event. Luckily, an escape to the cool-weather-all-year-round Harbin – average temperatures are around 20°C during summer – is relatively inexpensive. Plus, the place has a good mix of attractions and culture, so you’ll have lots to do no matter which season you visit.

Reaching Harbin was the easiest part of the trip, because all we had to do was hop on a Scoot flight. We flew at night, so the comfy seats on the flight were a huge plus.

If the midnight munchies hit you during the flight, Scoot has got you covered too. We ordered the Stew Chicken with Rice and the Roasted Chicken Thigh with Honey Garlic Sauce. These came steaming hot, and accompanied by drinks and Cornflake Rittersport.

For those night owls out there, Scoot also offers WiFi packages starting from just US$1.50 (~S$2.05).

While Harbin might seem far, flight prices won’t even put a huge dent in your wallet. So, it’s time to stop complaining about the heat and indulge in this cool getaway year round.

Book your getaway to Harbin with Scoot now!


This post was brought to you by Scoot.
Last updated by Kezia Ta on 14th January 2025.
Promotions in this article may no longer be available. 

SJ Lin

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