Sun Island, Harbin – An Iconic Attraction

The Sun Gate is the main entrance to Sun Island, facing west and located at the head of Jinshui Bridge. The gate spans 68 meters in width, with its two ends curving toward the Sun Stone in an embracing gesture. The central entrance stands 12.03 meters high, and the flowing curves around the gate resemble white waves rising from the Songhua River, lifting the rising sun. Flanking the gate are four small archways, each with a statue inside, and at the base is a map simulating the streets of Harbin.

Located on the eastern side of the Sun Island embankment, the Bathing Sun Terrace is a scenic viewing platform designed for enjoying the sunlight and taking in the beautiful surroundings. The plaza around the terrace covers about 4 hectares and is lined with northern trees such as the precious xanthoceras and various types of treasured plants known for their resemblance to the Bodhi tree. The primary function of the terrace is for sightseeing and ceremonial animal releases. At the entrance of the terrace stand two intricately carved granite tripods called “Tian Ding.” These feature carvings of sun, cloud, and thunder patterns, with the tripods having three legs and two handles, evoking the ancient bronze culture of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties in China.

Squirrel Island covers an area of approximately 24,000 square meters and consists of three small islands connected by wooden-like walkways. It is home to over 2,000 adorable Eurasian red squirrels, also known as “magic king squirrels,” as well as wild chipmunk babies. These energetic and intelligent squirrels are omnivorous, primarily feeding on hard seeds like sunflower seeds and corn kernels, and they have a habit of storing food for winter.

Clumsy Bear Park is located within the ecological forest area of Sun Island. This amusement park combines sightseeing, recreational experiences, and dining services. It features 22 amusement rides, offering a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can purchase individual tickets for each ride or opt for discounted packages to enjoy unlimited access to all attractions within the park, ensuring a fun-filled day for families and friends.

The Sun Island Water Tours began operations in 2011 and average between 3,000 to 4,000 sailings each year. Currently, there are nine boats of various sizes, with the largest capable of accommodating up to 300 passengers. Developed by the Harbin Sun Island Asset Company, this water leisure tourism route connects scenic coastal landscapes and tourist attractions along the river, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Songhua River without making any stops at the attractions. The route includes the following highlights: Sun Island Dock, Tian Ti Bathing Beach, Highway Bridge, Qunli Waterfront Wetlands, Jiu Station Park, Stalin Park, Flood Control Monument, Binzhou Railway Bridge, and scenic views along the Sun Island riverside.

The Sun Island Ice and Snow Art Museum allows visitors to appreciate stunning ice and snow artwork regardless of the outdoor temperature, making it a year-round attraction. The museum boasts a height of 7 meters and covers nearly 5,000 square meters, showcasing over 100 ice sculptures and snow art pieces created from natural ice from the Songhua River, artificial snow, and colored ice. Skilled ice artisans use various techniques to craft a magical world of ice and snow, enhanced by artistic lighting and stage illumination. The museum features nine themed zones, including the Arctic Landscape Zone, Continental Culture Zone, International Music Culture Zone, Antarctic Ice Peak Zone, Underwater World Zone, Everest Base Camp Zone, Ice Sculpture Competition Zone, Entertainment Activities Zone, and Blessing Zone.

The Russian Style Town on Sun Island features 18 heritage buildings recognized at the provincial level in Heilongjiang. These structures showcase a variety of architectural styles from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including Renaissance, Baroque, Eclecticism, and Art Nouveau. The distinct characteristics of Russian rural wooden architecture set it apart from ancient Chinese and Japanese wooden structures, as well as from traditional Western European timber constructions. The walls are made from whole logs stacked horizontally, preserving the visible notches where the logs interlock at the corners, known in Chinese folk culture as “mu ke leng” (木刻楞). The Russian Style Town is divided into four exhibition areas:

• Centennial Town Preface Area: Showcasing century-old buildings and historical culture.
• Russian Folk Culture Display Area: Featuring exhibits on the history of the China-Midland Railway, Russian folk games, and a museum dedicated to Russian rye bread.
• Russian Cultural Arts Exhibition Area: Here, visitors can appreciate Russian oil paintings, ballet, music, literature, chess, and amber craftsmanship.
• Exotic Commercial Area: Offering a variety of shops and dining options that reflect the unique cultural blend of the region.

The Northeast Anti-Japanese Alliance Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, covering an area of approximately 36,000 square meters. It has become the largest education and memorial site for the Anti-Japanese War in Northeast China. The park is situated alongside a water embankment, featuring a 60-meter-long giant relief sculpture symbolizing the 60th anniversary of China’s victory in the Anti-Japanese War. This sculpture includes 14 towering pines representing the 14 years of struggle against Japanese invaders, while a cavalry of anti-Japanese soldiers and 11 horses in the grass symbolizes the 11 armies of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. The inscription in the park commemorates the heroic and arduous history of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Alliance’s fight for freedom.

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