ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-19 16:31:45 (2 hours ago) |
| First Indexed | 2017-07-11 04:47:23 (8 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Harbin Ice Festival 2026-2027: Opening Dates & How to Visit |
| Meta Description | The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opens in December and lasts for around 2 months, till late February of the next year. Find out activities, travel tips, constructions, history, etc of the ice festival China. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival closed on February 21, 2026.
For the next edition (2026–2027), the festival is likely to open around December 20, 2026, following previous years' timelines. We will continue to monitor official announcements and update this page as soon as confirmed dates are released.
To enjoy the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, we suggest allocating
one day
. If you wish to visit other attractions in Harbin or extend your trip to Snow Town or Changbai Mountain, it is recommended to spend around 5 to 7 days.
Content Preview
Best Times
Location and Venue
Planning Tips
What Is the Best Time for the Harbin Ice Festival?
From Christmas Day to mid-February, the main attractions, such as Ice and Snow World and Sun Island, are open to visitors.
Want to be the first ones to enjoy the festival:
around Christmas. But this is also a busy period.
To join in the grand celebrations
: January 5th for the opening ceremony and December 31st for the fireworks.
To avoid large crowds
: From January 6th to 20th and in February, when the sculptures and facilities are well established, but visitors are fewer.
So, how should I avoid the crowds? If you have plenty of time in Harbin, to avoid the rush hours, you may consider
entering before 2 pm and re-entering after 8 pm
for night views.
Two entrance tickets are needed if you choose to visit in this way. If you are planning a Harbin tour and book a tour, please
contact us
or see our popular
Harbin Tours
for inspiration.
Enter before 2 pm and re-enter after 8 pm, you will have just yourself and the one you love in the photo.
Top 3 Places to Enjoy the Harbin Ice Festival
Ice and snow sculptures are dotted throughout Harbin city, but there are
three main venues
with different exhibitions to celebrate the festival.
Harbin Ice and Snow World
— a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"
Sun Island
— See the Art of Snow Sculpting
Zhaolin Park
— Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns
1) Harbin Ice and Snow World — a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"
Elsa's Ice Palace in Real Life at the Ice Festival.
When talking about Harbin Ice Festival, people are typically referring to the
Harbin Ice and Snow World
, which displays
ice sculptures of huge proportions
and
opens from 11am to 10pm each day
.
It would be the largest-scale one with one million square meters, incorporating the elements of the Asian Winter Games.
Best time to enter:
Harbin gets dark at around 4 pm in winter. The best time to enter the ice world is around 3 pm to appreciate the transparent and shining ice sculptures in the daytime, soon followed by the dazzling colors and light effects at night.
It is recommended to
spend no more than 4 hours
inside the ice world, since it is well below freezing, especially after sunset.
You could also immerse yourself in many popular classic activities, such as exquisite ice sculpture appreciation, Snow Ferris Wheel, Harbin show (dances, ice acrobatics, etc.), delicious local cuisine, disco dance carnival, RV Campground, and ice activities like skating, skiing, and ice biking.
2) Sun Island — See the Art of Snow Sculpting
Snow Sculptures in Harbin
The Sun Island venue
, or the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, is another important event of the Harbin Ice Festival. Square miles of
giant snow sculptures
made by artists from all over the world are displayed there.
Best time to enter:
It is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and it usually takes 2–3 hours for a full visit. Unlike the better-known ice sculptures, the snow sculptures are not lit up at night and are best seen in sunlight.
So we suggest visiting here in the morning and going to the Ice and Snow World in the afternoon. Start at 10 o'clock when the sunlight is just right and warm, and enter the Ice and Snow World at 3 p.m. See our
One Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour
.
Activities to take:
Admire the
massive snow-white sculptures
.
Have fun with the various snow sports.
Compared with the entertainment at the Ice and Snow World, you are likely to find fewer people there, so you can feel freer to enjoy the displays and have fun.
3) Zhaolin Park — Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns
Harbin Zhaolin Park
Small ice slides in Zhaolin Park, suitable for kids.
The Zhaolin Park is mostly an
ice world focused on small kids
. The ice lantern sculptures are mainly made by college students or young ice sculpture enthusiasts. Over 300 fine ice sculptures are displayed, including internally-illuminated ice lanterns, magical figures, and animals that are loved by children.
There are fun activities that kids may enjoy, such as small ice slides.
You may also find some un-carved ice blocks inside the park which are used for family competition
s. If you happen to be there with an ice sculpture competition, join in for fun.
Unlike the other two venues, which charge a comparatively high entrance fee,
Zhaolin Park is free to enter
.
The park is usually open from 9am to 9pm. Choose a convenient time to visit around your other activities, as it is perfectly located in the city center.
How to Plan a Wise Ice Festival Tour in Harbin?
1) Get Harbin Ice and Snow Festival tickets in advance.
Winter is the peak season in Harbin.
Official online booking is only open to domestic travelers with a Resident Identity Card.
For foreign passport holders
, you can buy on arrival or submit an inquiry below. We'll keep you on the priority list and contact you to confirm the booking once the tickets are officially available.
2) Book the tickets to get to Harbin as early as you can.
Harbin can be reached
by bullet trains and flights
.
For coming from northern China, like Beijing, the bullet train takes no more than 5 hours. If you are coming from the eastern or southern part, a flight is recommended.
Book the flight tickets as early as you can, you would find limited discounts on airfare when time is getting close. It is the high season of traveling in Harbin in winter.
3) Choose the right accommodation in Harbin.
Hotels with affordable prices are mainly located
near the
Central Street of Harbin
, within walking distance of the main sightseeing sites like the St. Sofia Orthodox Church and Zhaolin Park, and are convenient for shopping, eating out, and night activities.
The journey from here to the Ice and Snow World takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car.
For a luxury experience or family-friendly hotels
, you may choose to stay in
the Songbei District area
, where many high-standard luxury hotels and family-friendly hotels are located.
You are welcome to
contact us
for more hotel recommendations.
4) Arrange your ride after sightseeing in advance.
It is difficult and also not recommended to take public transportation to/from the festival venues.
Why? With so many people rushing to the festival venues,
you may not be able to get on a bus or find a taxi
. It will be freezing cold outdoors, and even if you are clothed heavily, while waiting on the streets, with scarcely a taxi even stopping, you could find yourself getting cold quickly.
If you are lucky enough to find one, the buses/taxis still stop about 2–3 km (1–2 miles) from the entrance. You may find it a big challenge to walk a long way in the snow and on the icy pavements.
When you finish your adventure, cold and tired, it could be
a nightmare to find a taxi back
. This is not an unrealistic threat, but a genuine experience of many, as attested by feedback from visitors attending the Ice Festival in previous years.
If you are looking for an unbeatable Ice Festival experience that will satisfy all your group members, we suggest booking a private tour with worry-free transfers.
With a professional plan by us, you would avoid long queues and make the most of your time at the festival. We can create a trip that is right for you. You can
tell us your needs
.
5) Pack for Harbin Ice Festival
Keep Warm during Harbin Ice Festival
Harbin also called "the Ice City" is
always well below 0°C in mid-winter
. It could feel comparatively "warm" in the daytime in the sunlight, but pay special attention to keeping warm during the evening.
Here are some tips to prevent harm from the cold:
Sub-zero clothing:
In Harbin in winter, the temperature is typically from -25°C (-13°F) to -10°C (14°F), and that's without wind chill! Hence thermal underwear, gloves, (scarves, earmuffs), hats, (face masks), and thick arctic clothing and boots are necessary. If you have ski boots, they would be ideal.
Wear sunglasses, or better still snow glasses, to prevent snow blindness
.
Drink plenty of fluids:
Despite the cold, it is very dry in Harbin (average humidity 2%).
Frostbite prevention:
If your hands or feet feel cold, move around or head indoors. If they go numb, avoid hot water or direct heat — instead, go somewhere warm and rub them gently to restore circulation.
Protect your camera batteries and mobile phones:
In the cold, phone and camera batteries last only about half as long as usual. Keep them warm inside your jacket, and carry spare batteries if you plan to take lots of photos.
5) Eat in Harbin
Harbin Food: Fried Pork in Scoop
Harbin cuisine is a type of Northeast China cuisine, with
strong flavors and a richness of calories and salt
to combat the harsh weather. Harbin dumplings and their stew dishes are highly recommended. Bordering Russia, you can also find
authentic Russian restaurants
in Harbin.
While you may find it is most convenient to have your
dinner inside Harbin Ice and Snow World
rather than the city center, don't worry: there are different types of restaurants for you to choose from — from local Harbin cuisine to Western fast food like KFC and Pizza Hut, etc.
6) Enliven your Harbin Ice Festival Tour: There's More to Explore…
Harbin is not just about the Ice and Snow Festival: there are many more interesting and fun things for you to explore.
A mind-blowing show of winter swimming
: winter swimming enthusiasts of different ages, including seniors, drill a hole in the solid Songhua River, build a diving platform with ice blocks, and dive into this icy "swimming pool" in just their swimsuits.
Winter Swimming in the Icy Songhua River
Unbeatable fairy-tale games for families:
Songhua River can be frozen up to 4–5 months a year, when the Songhua River Ice Carnival offers fun to all comers, especially kids and anyone who rarely plays in the snow and ice. Ice games and activities like ice go-carting, ice sledging, ice slides, ice mobiles, ice horse rides, and ice bikes are offered.
Have Fun on the Frozen Songhua River
See our
8-Day Beijing and Harbin Ice and Snow Family Tour
More Harbin Tours
Beyond Harbin itself, Northeast China offers a range of winter resorts and destinations, including Changbai Mountain, Yanji, and Mohe. If you're planning a winter trip to Northeast China, the following itineraries may serve as helpful references. Just
contact us
.
7-Day Harbin and Mohe Tour
8-Day Northeast China Winter Holiday Tour
More Harbin Tours |
| Markdown | 
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/)
[CHINA TOURS]()
Top China Tours
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/natural-wonders-discovery.htm) [2-Week China Natural Wonders Discovery](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/natural-wonders-discovery.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-essence-panda-tour.htm) [2-Week China Essence and Panda Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-essence-panda-tour.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-landmarks.htm) [3-Week Grand Tour of China's Landmarks](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-landmarks.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/must-see-places-including-tibet.htm) [3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/must-see-places-including-tibet.htm)
[Top China Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/top-tours.htm)
Popular Cities and Region Tours
- [Beijing](https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours/)
- [Chengdu](https://www.chinahighlights.com/chengdu/tours/)
- [Chongqing](https://www.chinahighlights.com/chongqing/tours/)
- [Chaozhou-Shantou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/chaozhou-shantou/tours/chaoshan-hakka-heritage.htm)
- [Guilin](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guilin/tours/)
- [Guizhou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guizhou/tours/)
- [Guangzhou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/tours/)
- [Harbin](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/)
- [Hong Kong](https://www.chinahighlights.com/hong-kong/tours/)
- [Hangzhou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/hangzhou/tours/)
- [Huangshan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/huangshan/tours/)
- [Inner Mongolia](https://www.chinahighlights.com/inner-mongolia/tours/)
- [Jiuzhaigou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/jiuzhaigou/tours/)
- [Pingyao](https://www.chinahighlights.com/pingyao/tours/)
- [Suzhou](https://www.chinahighlights.com/suzhou/tours/)
- [Silk Road](https://www.chinahighlights.com/silk-road/tours/)
- [Shanghai](https://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/tours/)
- [Tibet](https://www.chinahighlights.com/tibet/tours/)
- [Taiwan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/taiwan/tours/)
- [Xinjiang](https://www.chinahighlights.com/xinjiang/tours/)
- [Xiamen](https://www.chinahighlights.com/xiamen/tours/)
- [Xi'an](https://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/tours/)
- [Yunnan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/yunnan/tours/)
- [Yangtze River](https://www.chinahighlights.com/yangtzecruise/)
- [Zhangjiajie](https://www.chinahighlights.com/zhangjiajie/tours/)
- [More Destinations](https://www.chinahighlights.com/destinations.htm)
Multi-countries Tours
- [China+Japan](https://www.japanhighlights.com/japan/tours/japan-china-discovery)
- [China+Vietnam](https://www.highlightstravel.com/asia/tours/china-and-vietnam)
- [China+Nepal+India](https://www.highlightstravel.com/asia/tours/china-nepal-and-india)
- [China+Thailand](https://www.chinahighlights.com/asia-tours/china-thailand.htm)
- [More Asia Tours](https://www.highlightstravel.com/tours)
[Themes]()
Travel with
- [Family](https://www.chinahighlights.com/family-tours/)
- [Couple](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/couple-tours.htm)
Ways to travel
- [Educational Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/educational-tours/)
- [Foodie Journeys](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/food-tours.htm)
- [Hiking Adventures](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/hiking-tours.htm)
- [Nature Escapes](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/nature-tours.htm)
- [Panda Encounters](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-panda-tours.htm)
- [Train Tickets Booking](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/)
Seasonal picks
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/inner-mongolia/tours/grassland-and-desert.htm) [Ride Through Inner Mongolia's Grasslands (June to Early October)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/inner-mongolia/tours/grassland-and-desert.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/xinjiang/tours/north-xinjiang-with-ili.htm) [Encounter the Romantic Purple in Ili River Valley (May - Aug.)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/xinjiang/tours/north-xinjiang-with-ili.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guizhou/tours/minority-festival.htm) [Dive into Miao Sisters' Meal Festival (May)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guizhou/tours/minority-festival.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours/autumn-trip.htm) [Catch the Golden Vibe in Beijing (Late Oct. to Early Nov.)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours/autumn-trip.htm)
[Inspirations]()
[Best time](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/china-best-times.htm)
- [January](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/january.htm)
- [February](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/february.htm)
- [March](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/march.htm)
- [April](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/april.htm)
- [May](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/may.htm)
- [June](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/june.htm)
- [July](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/july.htm)
- [August](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/august.htm)
- [September](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/september.htm)
- [October](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/october.htm)
- [November](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/november.htm)
- [December](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/december.htm)
Maximize your time
- [5-Day Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/5-days-china-itinerary.htm)
- [8-Day Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/8-days-in-china.htm)
- [10-Day Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/10-days-china-itinerary.htm)
- [2-Week Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/14-days-in-china.htm)
- [3-Week Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/3-weeks-china-itinerary.htm)
- [4-Week Trip](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/4-week-china-itinerary.htm)
- [China Visa-Free Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/hassle-free-china-visas.htm)
The Real Local Experiences
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/customer-stories/closer-moments.htm) [Closer Moment Program](https://www.chinahighlights.com/customer-stories/closer-moments.htm)
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/local-experiences/) [Local Finds](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/local-experiences/)
Travelers' stories
 The Embrace of the Jungle
 Thanksgiving Day, No Turkey? No Problem\!
[Read Their Stories](https://www.chinahighlights.com/customer-stories/)
[About Us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/)
About us
[Who we are](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/)
[Meet our team](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/meet-our-team.htm)
[What others say](https://www.chinahighlights.com/reviews.htm)
[Responsible travel](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/responsible-travel.htm)
[Loyalty program](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/loyalty-program.htm)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
[Start Your Journey](https://www.chinahighlights.com/forms/create-my-trip.htm)
[Home](https://www.chinahighlights.com/) [Destinations](https://www.chinahighlights.com/citytour/) [Harbin](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/)
# Harbin Ice Festival 2026-2027: Opening Dates & How to Visit
Written by **[Chris Quan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/team/chris-quan.htm)** Updated Dec. 15, 2025
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival closed on February 21, 2026.
For the next edition (2026–2027), the festival is likely to open around December 20, 2026, following previous years' timelines. We will continue to monitor official announcements and update this page as soon as confirmed dates are released.
To enjoy the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, we suggest allocating **one day**. If you wish to visit other attractions in Harbin or extend your trip to Snow Town or Changbai Mountain, it is recommended to spend around 5 to 7 days.
### Content Preview
- [Best Times](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#days)
- [Location and Venue](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#venues)
- [Planning Tips](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#tour)
## What Is the Best Time for the Harbin Ice Festival?
From Christmas Day to mid-February, the main attractions, such as Ice and Snow World and Sun Island, are open to visitors.
- **Want to be the first ones to enjoy the festival:** around Christmas. But this is also a busy period.
- **To join in the grand celebrations**: January 5th for the opening ceremony and December 31st for the fireworks.
- **To avoid large crowds**: From January 6th to 20th and in February, when the sculptures and facilities are well established, but visitors are fewer.
So, how should I avoid the crowds? If you have plenty of time in Harbin, to avoid the rush hours, you may consider **entering before 2 pm and re-entering after 8 pm** for night views.
Two entrance tickets are needed if you choose to visit in this way. If you are planning a Harbin tour and book a tour, please [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) or see our popular [Harbin Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/) for inspiration.
Enter before 2 pm and re-enter after 8 pm, you will have just yourself and the one you love in the photo.
## Top 3 Places to Enjoy the Harbin Ice Festival
Ice and snow sculptures are dotted throughout Harbin city, but there are **three main venues** with different exhibitions to celebrate the festival.
- [**Harbin Ice and Snow World** — a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#world)
- [**Sun Island** — See the Art of Snow Sculpting](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#island)
- [**Zhaolin Park** — Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#park)
### 1\) Harbin Ice and Snow World — a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"
Elsa's Ice Palace in Real Life at the Ice Festival.
When talking about Harbin Ice Festival, people are typically referring to the [Harbin Ice and Snow World](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm), which displays **ice sculptures of huge proportions** and **opens from 11am to 10pm each day**.
It would be the largest-scale one with one million square meters, incorporating the elements of the Asian Winter Games.
**Best time to enter:** Harbin gets dark at around 4 pm in winter. The best time to enter the ice world is around 3 pm to appreciate the transparent and shining ice sculptures in the daytime, soon followed by the dazzling colors and light effects at night.
It is recommended to **spend no more than 4 hours** inside the ice world, since it is well below freezing, especially after sunset.
You could also immerse yourself in many popular classic activities, such as exquisite ice sculpture appreciation, Snow Ferris Wheel, Harbin show (dances, ice acrobatics, etc.), delicious local cuisine, disco dance carnival, RV Campground, and ice activities like skating, skiing, and ice biking.
### 2\) Sun Island — See the Art of Snow Sculpting
Snow Sculptures in Harbin
[The Sun Island venue](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm), or the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, is another important event of the Harbin Ice Festival. Square miles of **giant snow sculptures** made by artists from all over the world are displayed there.
**Best time to enter:** It is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and it usually takes 2–3 hours for a full visit. Unlike the better-known ice sculptures, the snow sculptures are not lit up at night and are best seen in sunlight.
So we suggest visiting here in the morning and going to the Ice and Snow World in the afternoon. Start at 10 o'clock when the sunlight is just right and warm, and enter the Ice and Snow World at 3 p.m. See our [One Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm).
**Activities to take:**
- Admire the **massive snow-white sculptures**.
- **Have fun with the various snow sports.** Compared with the entertainment at the Ice and Snow World, you are likely to find fewer people there, so you can feel freer to enjoy the displays and have fun.
### 3\) Zhaolin Park — Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns
Harbin Zhaolin Park
Small ice slides in Zhaolin Park, suitable for kids.
The Zhaolin Park is mostly an **ice world focused on small kids**. The ice lantern sculptures are mainly made by college students or young ice sculpture enthusiasts. Over 300 fine ice sculptures are displayed, including internally-illuminated ice lanterns, magical figures, and animals that are loved by children.
There are fun activities that kids may enjoy, such as small ice slides. **You may also find some un-carved ice blocks inside the park which are used for family competition**s. If you happen to be there with an ice sculpture competition, join in for fun.
Unlike the other two venues, which charge a comparatively high entrance fee, **Zhaolin Park is free to enter**.
The park is usually open from 9am to 9pm. Choose a convenient time to visit around your other activities, as it is perfectly located in the city center.
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)
[**7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai and Changchun Tour** An All-inclusive Tour of Northeast China's Winter Wonders](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)
## How to Plan a Wise Ice Festival Tour in Harbin?
### 1\) Get Harbin Ice and Snow Festival tickets in advance.
Winter is the peak season in Harbin.
Official online booking is only open to domestic travelers with a Resident Identity Card. **For foreign passport holders**, you can buy on arrival or submit an inquiry below. We'll keep you on the priority list and contact you to confirm the booking once the tickets are officially available.
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm)
[**5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour**](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm)
### 2\) Book the tickets to get to Harbin as early as you can.
Harbin can be reached **by bullet trains and flights**.
For coming from northern China, like Beijing, the bullet train takes no more than 5 hours. If you are coming from the eastern or southern part, a flight is recommended.
Book the flight tickets as early as you can, you would find limited discounts on airfare when time is getting close. It is the high season of traveling in Harbin in winter.
### 3\) Choose the right accommodation in Harbin.
Hotels with affordable prices are mainly located **near the [Central Street of Harbin](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-central-street.htm)**, within walking distance of the main sightseeing sites like the St. Sofia Orthodox Church and Zhaolin Park, and are convenient for shopping, eating out, and night activities.
The journey from here to the Ice and Snow World takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car.
**For a luxury experience or family-friendly hotels**, you may choose to stay in **the Songbei District area**, where many high-standard luxury hotels and family-friendly hotels are located.
You are welcome to [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) for more hotel recommendations.
### 4\) Arrange your ride after sightseeing in advance.
It is difficult and also not recommended to take public transportation to/from the festival venues.
Why? With so many people rushing to the festival venues, **you may not be able to get on a bus or find a taxi**. It will be freezing cold outdoors, and even if you are clothed heavily, while waiting on the streets, with scarcely a taxi even stopping, you could find yourself getting cold quickly.
If you are lucky enough to find one, the buses/taxis still stop about 2–3 km (1–2 miles) from the entrance. You may find it a big challenge to walk a long way in the snow and on the icy pavements.
When you finish your adventure, cold and tired, it could be **a nightmare to find a taxi back**. This is not an unrealistic threat, but a genuine experience of many, as attested by feedback from visitors attending the Ice Festival in previous years.
If you are looking for an unbeatable Ice Festival experience that will satisfy all your group members, we suggest booking a private tour with worry-free transfers.
With a professional plan by us, you would avoid long queues and make the most of your time at the festival. We can create a trip that is right for you. You can [tell us your needs](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/).
### 5\) Pack for Harbin Ice Festival
Keep Warm during Harbin Ice Festival
Harbin also called "the Ice City" is **always well below 0°C in mid-winter**. It could feel comparatively "warm" in the daytime in the sunlight, but pay special attention to keeping warm during the evening.
Here are some tips to prevent harm from the cold:
- **Sub-zero clothing:** In Harbin in winter, the temperature is typically from -25°C (-13°F) to -10°C (14°F), and that's without wind chill! Hence thermal underwear, gloves, (scarves, earmuffs), hats, (face masks), and thick arctic clothing and boots are necessary. If you have ski boots, they would be ideal.
- **Wear sunglasses, or better still snow glasses, to prevent snow blindness**.
- **Drink plenty of fluids:** Despite the cold, it is very dry in Harbin (average humidity 2%).
- **Frostbite prevention:** If your hands or feet feel cold, move around or head indoors. If they go numb, avoid hot water or direct heat — instead, go somewhere warm and rub them gently to restore circulation.
- **Protect your camera batteries and mobile phones:** In the cold, phone and camera batteries last only about half as long as usual. Keep them warm inside your jacket, and carry spare batteries if you plan to take lots of photos.
### 5\) Eat in Harbin
Harbin Food: Fried Pork in Scoop
Harbin cuisine is a type of Northeast China cuisine, with **strong flavors and a richness of calories and salt** to combat the harsh weather. Harbin dumplings and their stew dishes are highly recommended. Bordering Russia, you can also find **authentic Russian restaurants** in Harbin.
While you may find it is most convenient to have your **dinner inside Harbin Ice and Snow World** rather than the city center, don't worry: there are different types of restaurants for you to choose from — from local Harbin cuisine to Western fast food like KFC and Pizza Hut, etc.
### 6\) Enliven your Harbin Ice Festival Tour: There's More to Explore…
Harbin is not just about the Ice and Snow Festival: there are many more interesting and fun things for you to explore.
**A mind-blowing show of winter swimming**: winter swimming enthusiasts of different ages, including seniors, drill a hole in the solid Songhua River, build a diving platform with ice blocks, and dive into this icy "swimming pool" in just their swimsuits.
Winter Swimming in the Icy Songhua River
**Unbeatable fairy-tale games for families:** Songhua River can be frozen up to 4–5 months a year, when the Songhua River Ice Carnival offers fun to all comers, especially kids and anyone who rarely plays in the snow and ice. Ice games and activities like ice go-carting, ice sledging, ice slides, ice mobiles, ice horse rides, and ice bikes are offered.
Have Fun on the Frozen Songhua River
See our [8-Day Beijing and Harbin Ice and Snow Family Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/family-tours/winter-tour.htm)
## More Harbin Tours
Beyond Harbin itself, Northeast China offers a range of winter resorts and destinations, including Changbai Mountain, Yanji, and Mohe. If you're planning a winter trip to Northeast China, the following itineraries may serve as helpful references. Just [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/).
- [7-Day Harbin and Mohe Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-and-mohe.htm)
- [8-Day Northeast China Winter Holiday Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/northeast-ice-snow-wonderland.htm)
- [More Harbin Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/)
[Start Your Journey](https://www.chinahighlights.com/forms/create-my-trip.htm)
### Why China Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment\!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Live Your China Story:
- Authentic local culture and lifestyles
- Understand the culture by living it
Popular tours
- [14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/natural-wonders-discovery.htm)
- [2-Week China Essence and Panda Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-essence-panda-tour.htm)
- [21-Day Classic Chinese History and Natural Wonders Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/china-landmarks.htm)
- [21-Day China Tour with Silk Road](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/classic-china-with-silk-road.htm)
- [18-Day Classic China Tour with Yunnan](https://www.chinahighlights.com/china-tours/classic-china-tour-with-yunnan.htm)
Make the most of your time
- [10 Most Beautiful Places in China for First-Time Travelers](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/most-beautiful-places.htm)
- [Best Time to Visit China: Avoid the Crowds (Travel Calendar)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/china-best-times.htm)
- [Plan Your First Trip to China 2026: 10 Things to Know](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/plan-first-trip.htm)
- [How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China: Top 3 Options (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/3-weeks-china-itinerary.htm)
Choose the best time to visit
- [China Weather in January 2026: A Good Time to Visit?](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/january.htm)
- [Weather in China in February and Where to Go (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/february.htm)
- [Weather in China in March & Top Places for Cherry Blossom 2026](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/march.htm)
- [China Weather in April 2026: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/april.htm)
- [China Weather in May & Top Places to Visit in 2026](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/may.htm)
- [Weather in China in June: Is It a Good Time to Visit?](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/june.htm)
- [Weather in China in July 2026: Where to Avoid Heat and Crowds](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/july.htm)
- [Weather in China in August & Top 5 Places to Visit (2026)](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/august.htm)
- [Weather in China in September: Best Places for Autumn Leaves](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/september.htm)
- [China Weather in October 2026: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/october.htm)
- [China Weather in November 2026 & Top 5 Places to Go](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/november.htm)
- [China Weather in December 2026: Top 7 Places to Go](https://www.chinahighlights.com/weather/december.htm)
## A Global Network of Trust and Recognition
Connect with your personal advisor
to start your journey. [Start Your Journey](https://www.chinahighlights.com/forms/create-my-trip.htm)
## Let the Journey Come to You
Receive our heartfelt stories, travel insights, and special offers -
thoughtfully curated and sent to your inbox.
[Click to Subscribe](https://www.chinahighlights.com/newsletter/)
## Why China Highlights
Our Belief, and the People Who Bring It to Life.
### Our Belief
Highlights Happen When We Get Closer.
Close to **Nature**
Your phone's wallpaper,
but you are in it.
Close to **Culture**
Live it,
don't just list it.
Close to **Peolple**
Know yourself better by
knowing others.
### Our Promise
A 4-on-1 Team Dedicated to You.
YOUR **PERSONAL TRAVEL DESIGNER**
"
We're Travelers First, Planners Second."
Deeply rooted in Asia for authentic advice. Passionate about crafting your unique story.
YOUR **LOCAL STORYTELLER**
"
We share the stories you won't find in a guidebook"
Connecting you with the top 20% of local storytellers. Your personal photographer for cherished moments.
YOUR **PRIVATE DRIVER & CAR**
"
20% more space, 100% on your schedule."
A seamless journey that moves at your own pace. Your private, comfortable space on the road.
YOUR **24/7 TRAVEL SUPPORT**
"
Any Problem, Anytime, Anywhere."
Your safety and peace of mind are our priority. Instant responses, so you're never left waiting.
| | |
|---|---|
| China Highlights | Since 1998, we've been crafting private journeys that bring you closer to the heart of Asia. |
| We believe | **Highlights happen when we get closer.** |
[Highlights Family ](https://www.highlightstravel.com/about-us)
- [](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm)
- [](https://www.japanhighlights.com/)
- [](https://www.thailandhighlights.com/)
- [Deutsch](https://www.chinahighlightstravel.de/)
- [Français](https://www.chinahighlights.fr/)
- [Español](https://www.chinahighlights.es/)
- [Italiano](https://www.chinahighlights.it/)
- [Русский](https://www.chinahighlights.ru/)
- [日本語](https://www.chinahighlights.jp/)
Follow Us
Company
- [About us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/)
- [Travel Agents](https://www.chinahighlights.com/travel-agents.htm)
- [Reviews](https://www.chinahighlights.com/reviews.htm)
- [Contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/)
- [Loyalty Program](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/loyalty-program.htm)
- [Partner](https://www.chinahighlights.com/partner/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.chinahighlights.com/privacy.htm)
- [Terms](https://www.chinahighlights.com/aboutus/terms.htm)
© 1998-2026 Highlights Travel Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. |
| Readable Markdown | The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival closed on February 21, 2026.
For the next edition (2026–2027), the festival is likely to open around December 20, 2026, following previous years' timelines. We will continue to monitor official announcements and update this page as soon as confirmed dates are released.
To enjoy the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, we suggest allocating **one day**. If you wish to visit other attractions in Harbin or extend your trip to Snow Town or Changbai Mountain, it is recommended to spend around 5 to 7 days.
### Content Preview
- [Best Times](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#days)
- [Location and Venue](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#venues)
- [Planning Tips](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#tour)
## What Is the Best Time for the Harbin Ice Festival?
From Christmas Day to mid-February, the main attractions, such as Ice and Snow World and Sun Island, are open to visitors.
- **Want to be the first ones to enjoy the festival:** around Christmas. But this is also a busy period.
- **To join in the grand celebrations**: January 5th for the opening ceremony and December 31st for the fireworks.
- **To avoid large crowds**: From January 6th to 20th and in February, when the sculptures and facilities are well established, but visitors are fewer.
So, how should I avoid the crowds? If you have plenty of time in Harbin, to avoid the rush hours, you may consider **entering before 2 pm and re-entering after 8 pm** for night views.
Two entrance tickets are needed if you choose to visit in this way. If you are planning a Harbin tour and book a tour, please [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) or see our popular [Harbin Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/) for inspiration.
Enter before 2 pm and re-enter after 8 pm, you will have just yourself and the one you love in the photo.
## Top 3 Places to Enjoy the Harbin Ice Festival
Ice and snow sculptures are dotted throughout Harbin city, but there are **three main venues** with different exhibitions to celebrate the festival.
- [**Harbin Ice and Snow World** — a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#world)
- [**Sun Island** — See the Art of Snow Sculpting](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#island)
- [**Zhaolin Park** — Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns](https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm#park)
### 1\) Harbin Ice and Snow World — a Colorful "Ice Disneyland"
Elsa's Ice Palace in Real Life at the Ice Festival.
When talking about Harbin Ice Festival, people are typically referring to the [Harbin Ice and Snow World](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-ice-and-snow-world.htm), which displays **ice sculptures of huge proportions** and **opens from 11am to 10pm each day**.
It would be the largest-scale one with one million square meters, incorporating the elements of the Asian Winter Games.
**Best time to enter:** Harbin gets dark at around 4 pm in winter. The best time to enter the ice world is around 3 pm to appreciate the transparent and shining ice sculptures in the daytime, soon followed by the dazzling colors and light effects at night.
It is recommended to **spend no more than 4 hours** inside the ice world, since it is well below freezing, especially after sunset.
You could also immerse yourself in many popular classic activities, such as exquisite ice sculpture appreciation, Snow Ferris Wheel, Harbin show (dances, ice acrobatics, etc.), delicious local cuisine, disco dance carnival, RV Campground, and ice activities like skating, skiing, and ice biking.
### 2\) Sun Island — See the Art of Snow Sculpting
Snow Sculptures in Harbin
[The Sun Island venue](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-sun-island-scenic-spot.htm), or the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, is another important event of the Harbin Ice Festival. Square miles of **giant snow sculptures** made by artists from all over the world are displayed there.
**Best time to enter:** It is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and it usually takes 2–3 hours for a full visit. Unlike the better-known ice sculptures, the snow sculptures are not lit up at night and are best seen in sunlight.
So we suggest visiting here in the morning and going to the Ice and Snow World in the afternoon. Start at 10 o'clock when the sunlight is just right and warm, and enter the Ice and Snow World at 3 p.m. See our [One Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/ice-snow-fairyland-tour.htm).
**Activities to take:**
- Admire the **massive snow-white sculptures**.
- **Have fun with the various snow sports.** Compared with the entertainment at the Ice and Snow World, you are likely to find fewer people there, so you can feel freer to enjoy the displays and have fun.
### 3\) Zhaolin Park — Small but Lovely Ice Lanterns
Harbin Zhaolin Park
Small ice slides in Zhaolin Park, suitable for kids.
The Zhaolin Park is mostly an **ice world focused on small kids**. The ice lantern sculptures are mainly made by college students or young ice sculpture enthusiasts. Over 300 fine ice sculptures are displayed, including internally-illuminated ice lanterns, magical figures, and animals that are loved by children.
There are fun activities that kids may enjoy, such as small ice slides. **You may also find some un-carved ice blocks inside the park which are used for family competition**s. If you happen to be there with an ice sculpture competition, join in for fun.
Unlike the other two venues, which charge a comparatively high entrance fee, **Zhaolin Park is free to enter**.
The park is usually open from 9am to 9pm. Choose a convenient time to visit around your other activities, as it is perfectly located in the city center.
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/china-snow-town-and-changbai-mountain-tour.htm)
## How to Plan a Wise Ice Festival Tour in Harbin?
### 1\) Get Harbin Ice and Snow Festival tickets in advance.
Winter is the peak season in Harbin.
Official online booking is only open to domestic travelers with a Resident Identity Card. **For foreign passport holders**, you can buy on arrival or submit an inquiry below. We'll keep you on the priority list and contact you to confirm the booking once the tickets are officially available.
[](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-snow-town.htm)
### 2\) Book the tickets to get to Harbin as early as you can.
Harbin can be reached **by bullet trains and flights**.
For coming from northern China, like Beijing, the bullet train takes no more than 5 hours. If you are coming from the eastern or southern part, a flight is recommended.
Book the flight tickets as early as you can, you would find limited discounts on airfare when time is getting close. It is the high season of traveling in Harbin in winter.
### 3\) Choose the right accommodation in Harbin.
Hotels with affordable prices are mainly located **near the [Central Street of Harbin](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/attraction/the-central-street.htm)**, within walking distance of the main sightseeing sites like the St. Sofia Orthodox Church and Zhaolin Park, and are convenient for shopping, eating out, and night activities.
The journey from here to the Ice and Snow World takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car.
**For a luxury experience or family-friendly hotels**, you may choose to stay in **the Songbei District area**, where many high-standard luxury hotels and family-friendly hotels are located.
You are welcome to [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/) for more hotel recommendations.
### 4\) Arrange your ride after sightseeing in advance.
It is difficult and also not recommended to take public transportation to/from the festival venues.
Why? With so many people rushing to the festival venues, **you may not be able to get on a bus or find a taxi**. It will be freezing cold outdoors, and even if you are clothed heavily, while waiting on the streets, with scarcely a taxi even stopping, you could find yourself getting cold quickly.
If you are lucky enough to find one, the buses/taxis still stop about 2–3 km (1–2 miles) from the entrance. You may find it a big challenge to walk a long way in the snow and on the icy pavements.
When you finish your adventure, cold and tired, it could be **a nightmare to find a taxi back**. This is not an unrealistic threat, but a genuine experience of many, as attested by feedback from visitors attending the Ice Festival in previous years.
If you are looking for an unbeatable Ice Festival experience that will satisfy all your group members, we suggest booking a private tour with worry-free transfers.
With a professional plan by us, you would avoid long queues and make the most of your time at the festival. We can create a trip that is right for you. You can [tell us your needs](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/).
### 5\) Pack for Harbin Ice Festival
Keep Warm during Harbin Ice Festival
Harbin also called "the Ice City" is **always well below 0°C in mid-winter**. It could feel comparatively "warm" in the daytime in the sunlight, but pay special attention to keeping warm during the evening.
Here are some tips to prevent harm from the cold:
- **Sub-zero clothing:** In Harbin in winter, the temperature is typically from -25°C (-13°F) to -10°C (14°F), and that's without wind chill! Hence thermal underwear, gloves, (scarves, earmuffs), hats, (face masks), and thick arctic clothing and boots are necessary. If you have ski boots, they would be ideal.
- **Wear sunglasses, or better still snow glasses, to prevent snow blindness**.
- **Drink plenty of fluids:** Despite the cold, it is very dry in Harbin (average humidity 2%).
- **Frostbite prevention:** If your hands or feet feel cold, move around or head indoors. If they go numb, avoid hot water or direct heat — instead, go somewhere warm and rub them gently to restore circulation.
- **Protect your camera batteries and mobile phones:** In the cold, phone and camera batteries last only about half as long as usual. Keep them warm inside your jacket, and carry spare batteries if you plan to take lots of photos.
### 5\) Eat in Harbin
Harbin Food: Fried Pork in Scoop
Harbin cuisine is a type of Northeast China cuisine, with **strong flavors and a richness of calories and salt** to combat the harsh weather. Harbin dumplings and their stew dishes are highly recommended. Bordering Russia, you can also find **authentic Russian restaurants** in Harbin.
While you may find it is most convenient to have your **dinner inside Harbin Ice and Snow World** rather than the city center, don't worry: there are different types of restaurants for you to choose from — from local Harbin cuisine to Western fast food like KFC and Pizza Hut, etc.
### 6\) Enliven your Harbin Ice Festival Tour: There's More to Explore…
Harbin is not just about the Ice and Snow Festival: there are many more interesting and fun things for you to explore.
**A mind-blowing show of winter swimming**: winter swimming enthusiasts of different ages, including seniors, drill a hole in the solid Songhua River, build a diving platform with ice blocks, and dive into this icy "swimming pool" in just their swimsuits.
Winter Swimming in the Icy Songhua River
**Unbeatable fairy-tale games for families:** Songhua River can be frozen up to 4–5 months a year, when the Songhua River Ice Carnival offers fun to all comers, especially kids and anyone who rarely plays in the snow and ice. Ice games and activities like ice go-carting, ice sledging, ice slides, ice mobiles, ice horse rides, and ice bikes are offered.
Have Fun on the Frozen Songhua River
See our [8-Day Beijing and Harbin Ice and Snow Family Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/family-tours/winter-tour.htm)
## More Harbin Tours
Beyond Harbin itself, Northeast China offers a range of winter resorts and destinations, including Changbai Mountain, Yanji, and Mohe. If you're planning a winter trip to Northeast China, the following itineraries may serve as helpful references. Just [contact us](https://www.chinahighlights.com/contactus/).
- [7-Day Harbin and Mohe Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/harbin-and-mohe.htm)
- [8-Day Northeast China Winter Holiday Tour](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/northeast-ice-snow-wonderland.htm)
- [More Harbin Tours](https://www.chinahighlights.com/harbin/tours/) |
| Shard | 179 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 2290986613579731179 |
| Unparsed URL | com,chinahighlights!www,/festivals/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival.htm s443 |