Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: The Annual Winter Spectacle

What the Harbin ice and snow festival is

Harbin is known for its winter ice and snow. Each winter the city runs a long ice-and-snow themed event around ice carving, snow sculpture and winter fun, and Ice and Snow World is among its largest and most representative ice parks. During the festival, ice-and-snow displays and light installations appear in many parts of the city.

Approximate timing

The ice parks usually open around late December and run to about the end of February the following year; exact opening, closing and daily hours vary with weather and each year's arrangements — before travelling, check the booking page and on-site notices.

Highlights

• Giant ice buildings: castles and colonnades built from natural ice.
• Artistic snow sculptures: monumental, finely carved works.
• Ice-lantern light show: lanterns light up the ice structures at night.
• Ice-and-snow fun: ice slides and snow tubes (some charge separately).

Trip tips

Nights are freezing — dress warmly and watch for ice. Peak season is busy, so book online by real name in advance. Other events run across the city during the festival and can be combined with Central Street and Sun Island.