Harbin, known for its stunning winter wonderlands, offers a completely different charm in the summer. The city, with its Russian-inspired architecture, cool riverside parks, and cultural attractions, makes for a fantastic summer getaway. This 3-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking to experience the best of Harbin in warmer weather, from exploring iconic landmarks like Central Street and the Stalin Park to indulging in delicious local food and enjoying scenic views along the Songhua River. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or food enthusiast, this itinerary will help you make the most of your summer trip to Harbin.
Day 1: Central Street – Harbin People’s Victory Flood Control Memorial Tower – Old Concert Hall
On the first day of your Harbin summer adventure, start your journey with a visit to Central Street (中央大街), the city’s most iconic landmark. This century-old commercial street is lined with classic European-style buildings and is a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists. As you stroll along Central Street, take in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evening when the street is beautifully illuminated with colorful lights. After exploring Central Street, walk for about 30 minutes to reach the Harbin People’s Victory Flood Control Memorial Tower (哈尔滨市人民防洪胜利纪念塔), a notable landmark that commemorates the city’s successful efforts in flood control. This tower is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Next, head to the Old Concert Hall (老会堂音乐厅), which is located nearby on Central Street. The Old Concert Hall is known for hosting classical Western music performances and promoting cultural exchange between China and Russia. The venue exudes a nostalgic, vintage charm and offers a great place to soak in the local musical culture.
Dining:
For meals, try one of the local Russian restaurants or Western-style eateries near Central Street. A popular choice is Macy Restaurant (梅西餐厅), which has been serving traditional Russian-Western cuisine for nearly a century. The retro décor takes you back in time, and the food is delicious, offering authentic Russian dishes such as borscht, beef stew, and shrimp in a pot.
Another must-visit restaurant is Ma Dier (马迭尔), a well-known Harbin dining spot famous for its ice cream and Russian-Western fare. Ma Dier has been a favorite of both locals and celebrities since the 1920s and 1930s, and its borscht and beef stew remain popular to this day. Both restaurants are located near Central Street, making them easy to access.
Day 2: Songhua River – Stalin Park – Songhua River Cable Car – Sun Island Scenic Area
On the second day, head to the banks of the Songhua River (松花江), a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk along the water. In the morning, take your time to soak in the peaceful ambiance of the river, feel the breeze, and relax. The Stalin Park (斯大林公园), located near the Memorial Tower, stretches along the river and offers a lovely walking path lined with trees and sculptures. After strolling through Stalin Park, you can hop on the Songhua River Cable Car (松花江观光索道), which takes you across the river to Sun Island Scenic Area (太阳岛风景区). The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views of the river and the cityscape, with a bird’s-eye view of Harbin’s surrounding natural beauty.
Upon arriving at Sun Island, you’ll find a vast ecological park with a variety of outdoor activities and scenic spots. It is a favorite summer retreat for locals, offering picturesque views, cultural attractions, and recreational spaces. The island is particularly known for its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings, making it an ideal place for a relaxing family outing.
Dining:
For lunch, head to Mao Mao Xun Meat (毛毛熏肉), a local favorite for its hearty and flavorful northeastern Chinese cuisine. Located on Daan Street (大安街), just off Central Street, this restaurant serves delicious smoked meats, crispy pork, and other classic northeastern dishes at very reasonable prices.
Another great option is Xiao Zi Tai Tai (小资太太), a refined eatery known for its elegant décor and delicious home-style cooking. The fish dishes, particularly the boiled fish, are highly recommended for those who prefer mild flavors. These two restaurants are within walking distance of Stalin Park, making them convenient stops during your sightseeing.
Day 3: Harbin Ice and Snow World Indoor Ice and Snow Theme Park – Siberian Tiger Park – Harbin Grand Theatre
On the third day of your summer itinerary, start with a visit to Harbin Ice and Snow World (哈尔滨冰雪大世界), an indoor ice and snow theme park that opened in 2016. While Harbin is famous for its winter ice festivals, Ice and Snow World allows visitors to experience the magic of ice and snow all year round. The park features dazzling ice sculptures, snow displays, and winter-themed attractions that are especially fun for families and children. It’s a great way to enjoy the coolness of winter even in the heat of summer.
Next, make your way to Siberian Tiger Park (东北虎林园), located on the northern banks of the Songhua River. The park is home to over 1,000 Siberian tigers and is one of the largest breeding centers for this endangered species. To explore the park, you will need to take a tour bus provided by the park, which will take you on a guided tour through the tiger enclosures. Watching these magnificent animals up close is an unforgettable experience, especially for children.
In the afternoon, visit the Harbin Grand Theatre (哈尔滨大剧院), a modern architectural marvel located by the river. The theatre is one of Harbin’s cultural landmarks and plays an important role in the city’s music and performing arts scene. While the interior of the Grand Theatre is currently closed to the public for tours, you can attend one of the performances or concerts held there to experience the venue’s world-class acoustics and stunning design. The Grand Theatre is a symbol of Harbin’s reputation as a city of music and arts.
Dining:
For lunch, you can choose from a variety of small eateries around the attractions, offering local northeastern dishes. If you want to sample some of Harbin’s signature snacks, consider heading to Lao Chang Spring Pancakes (老昌春饼), a famous spot known for its delicious spring pancakes filled with various meats and vegetables. Another tasty option is Lao Ding Feng Pastries (老鼎丰), where you can enjoy traditional Harbin-style pastries and snacks, perfect for a light bite after your busy day of sightseeing.
