Harbin Travel Guide
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province and a major transportation hub in northern China, is the largest central city in Northeast China. The city’s unique Russian-inspired architecture and stunning winter landscapes are two of the main attractions for visitors. Harbin’s rich and diverse history has left a legacy of Western-style buildings, including Russian, Baroque, and Byzantine styles, earning it the nickname “Eastern Moscow.”
In winter, Harbin transforms into a beautiful “Ice City,” with stunning ice sculptures scattered throughout the city streets. At night, the city is illuminated by colorful ice and snow lights, creating a magical, glowing atmosphere. Popular winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and ice sledding are also a must-try for visitors.
But Harbin’s charm isn’t just in its sights; its food scene is equally enticing. The city offers a variety of culinary delights, including Russian cuisine, Northeastern hot pot (known as “Luan Dun”), Harbin Red Sausage, Harbin beer, and a range of unique local snacks, ensuring visitors can indulge in a true feast of flavors.
Although Ice and Snow World claims to open at 10 AM, I arrived around 9 AM and was able to enter right away. At that time, there were very few people, so I could take photos without anyone else in the frame, making it an incredibly enjoyable experience. At 10 AM, I managed to grab a spot on the large slide. They don’t allow you to queue if you haven’t made a reservation, but I got to play after about… Read more »