Logistics, activities, entry prices and itineraries. This is the best guide on how to plan your trip to the Harbin Ice Festival 2025 in China

I traveled to the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China a few years five years ago and it was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever attended. This event is the biggest snow festival in the world and it takes place in the cold and far away city of Harbin, which is about 1000 km away from Beijing.

During the time of the festival, Harbin attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Every winter Harbin transforms into a dazzling wonderland of ice and snow. With intricate ice sculptures, towering snow structures, and a display of lights that turn the frosty landscape into a dreamlike scene, the festival offers a truly unforgettable place.

This is not a city of ice, but an event in which gigantic constructions and artworks are made only from ice and snow. Now, the Harbin Ice Festival 2025 is just a few months away and it promises to be bigger and more spectacular than ever.

In this article, I want to tell you more about the festival itself, what should you expect from the event and how can you plan your trip to Harbin.

What is the Harbin Ice Festival about?

The Harbin Ice Festival has been taking place since 1963 and is one of the oldest ice festivals in the world. In comparison to other ice sculpture events from Europe and America, the Ice Festival in Harbin has been getting way more recognition for the large amount of structures and the incredible size of these.

I heard about this festival on social media and while I was crossing China from south to north, I found a stop in Harbin quite inevitable – on the good sense. Curiously, my arrival to Harbin also happened at the same time of the Chinese New Year, which made my stay in this cold city even more memorable than before.

Now, when it comes to the festival itself, these are several events happening for a whole period of 2 months all over the city. The festival also is combined with the cold atmosphere of Harbin, the frozen river connecting the city and the several winter activities happening all over downtown.

Harbin Ice Festival in a Nutshell

• Dates: The festival typically starts on January 5 and lasts until late February, but some sculptures are available for viewing as early as December.
• Temperature: Harbin in winter is cold, with temperatures often dropping to -40°C or lower, so be sure to bundle up! During my visit in February, temperatures were between -15°C and -25°C.
• Locations: The festival’s main events are held at several locations, including:
  • Ice and Snow World – The biggest and most iconic part of the festival, home to massive illuminated ice structures.
  • Sun Island – Famous for its snow sculptures and international competitions.
  • Zhaolin Park – Known for its Ice Lantern Fair, featuring smaller-scale ice sculptures.
• Key Events:
  • Ice Sculpture Competitions – National and international artists compete to create the most intricate and awe-inspiring ice and snow sculptures.
  • Ice Lantern Festival – A dazzling display of ice lanterns, especially popular at Zhaolin Park.
  • Winter Sports – Snow sliding, ice tubing, and other snow activities are available all over the events and the city. A lot happens at the frozen river.

Be connected at all times in China at all times.
I used e-SIM with Airalo. With them, I bought a plan for Asia of 10 GB for my whole stay in this part of the world.

This was the most convenient choice. Find out here which are my favorite e-SIMs and why. Also, don’t forget to get a VPN before you travel to China. Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram won’t work without one.

When to Visit the Harbin Ice Festival

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival officially opens in early January and lasts until the ice begins to melt in late February. However, the best time to visit is in January, when the ice and snow sculptures are at their freshest, and the weather is cold enough to keep the structures intact.

• Festival dates: Early January to late February.
• Best time to visit: Mid-January, when all the sculptures are fully complete.

Tip: If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try to visit during the weekdays or earlier in the morning.

How to Get to Harbin

By Air: Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) is well-connected to major cities in China and a few international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to your hotel or directly to the festival sites.

• Flight cost: From Beijing to Harbin, expect to pay around 500-900 RMB (66-120 EUR) for a one-way ticket.

By Train: Harbin is accessible by train from most major cities in China. The high-speed trains from Beijing take around 8 hours and cost between 300-600 RMB (40-80 EUR) for a second-class seat.

Tip: Book your train tickets in advance through Ctrip or 12306 (official Chinese rail website). Also, avoid traveling around China on the days before Chinese New Year – big mistake I did.

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A glimpse of Siberian life in China

With temperatures going as low as -40 °C during winter, life in Harbin is completely different than in the rest of China. The Songhuajiang river in Harbin freezes completely during winter and the city uses it as one of the attractions for locals and tourists.

Although using vehicles is not allowed on the river, locals cross the frozen river using sled dogs or simply walking. However, sled dogs are more a tourist attraction in Harbin than a real transportation method.

Furthermore, when the weather allowed it, families simply enjoyed spending the day with the several activities done on the frozen Songhuajiang river. Some of these were sled dog tours, ice skating, sleds rentals or simply playing on the ice.

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Activities during the 41st Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (Harbin Ice Festival 2025)

With so many events to choose from, it is nice to arrive in Harbin and get an idea of what activities are available for the public and what would you like to do. These are the key activities in Harbin during the Ice Festival.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

A visit to Harbin Ice and Snow World is an absolute must during the festival. As the largest and most iconic part of the festival, this park spans over 600,000 square meters and is home to towering ice castles, intricate sculptures, and grand ice palaces that are illuminated from within by colorful lights. The sight of these glowing ice structures under the winter night sky is nothing short of magical.

Aside from admiring the ice creations, Ice and Snow World offers a range of fun activities like snow tubing, snow sliding, and snow biking, making it a great spot for both sightseeing and play. The sheer size and scale of the park allow for hours of exploration.

• Opening Dates: January 5 to late February (depending on weather)
• Price: 330 RMB (44 EUR)
• What to expect: Massive glowing ice structures, ice slides, tubing, and evening performances. Make sure to visit at night when the lights bring the ice sculptures to life.

Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo

If you are fascinated by snow sculptures, the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo is the place to be. Known for its beautifully carved sculptures made entirely from snow, this expo features some of the most breathtaking artwork you’ll ever see. Massive snow creations, some over 20 meters high, are sculpted into elaborate designs that range from animals and mythical creatures to entire buildings and famous landmarks.

The venue also hosts several national and international snow sculpture competitions, including the China National Snow Sculpture Competition and the International Snow Sculpture Competition, giving visitors a chance to see world-class snow artistry up close.

• Opening Dates: January 5 to late February
• Price: 240 RMB (32 EUR)
• What to expect: Enormous snow sculptures, competitions, and a peaceful, scenic setting perfect for wandering and admiring the art.

Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair

Zhaolin Park is home to one of Harbin’s oldest ice traditions—the Ice Lantern Fair. This was the original site of the Harbin Ice Festival, dating back to 1963. Today, Zhaolin Park continues to delight visitors with its smaller-scale but equally stunning ice sculptures and lanterns.

The Ice Lantern Fair is less crowded than other festival spots, making it a more intimate and relaxing experience. Ice lanterns, which are intricately carved and illuminated from the inside, create a warm, glowing atmosphere that’s perfect for a quiet evening stroll.

• Opening Dates: Early January to late February
• Price: 150 RMB (20 EUR)
• What to expect: Smaller ice sculptures and lanterns with a cozy, local feel. A quieter alternative to the larger Ice and Snow World.

Rongchuang Amusement Park

For visitors seeking a blend of amusement and winter fun, Rongchuang Amusement Park is an exciting stop. The park features a range of rides and activities that cater to all ages, including roller coasters, ice slides, and a large skating rink. In winter, the park transforms into an icy playground complete with an Ice Lantern Show that rivals some of the displays at Ice and Snow World. It’s also a good spot for skiing enthusiasts who want to add some downhill action to their Harbin adventure.

• Opening Dates: Late December to February
• Price: Around 150 RMB (20 EUR) depending on the activity
• What to expect: Amusement rides, skiing, and a vibrant ice lantern display.

Siberian Tiger Park

For a truly wild experience, a visit to the Siberian Tiger Park is a must. Located just outside Harbin, this park is home to over 500 Siberian tigers, as well as lions, leopards, and other wild cats. The tigers roam freely in large enclosures, and visitors can explore the park in a specially designed vehicle that allows for up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures.

• Opening Dates: Year-round
• Price: 100 RMB (13 EUR)
• What to expect: A thrilling safari-like experience where you can see endangered Siberian tigers and other animals up close.

Harbin Polarland

For those who love wildlife, especially polar creatures, Harbin Polarland is a must-visit attraction during your trip. The park is home to a variety of cold-climate animals, including polar bears, penguins, seals, and Arctic wolves. It’s a family-friendly venue where you can watch polar bears playing or catch one of the many seal and dolphin shows held throughout the day.

• What to expect: A fun and educational visit, with performances by polar animals and lots of opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation.
• Opening Dates: Year-round
• Price: 130 RMB (17 EUR)

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What itinerary I would recommend?

For those visiting Harbin for just a few days, it is hard to decide which activities are worth your time and your money. I went to Harbin without having a clear plan what to do and since there are not many blogs talking about this festival, I felt my information was limited.

Fortunately, while in Harbin, I was able to properly inform myself where to go and what do do. Unfortuantely, many tickets were sold out and I was only able to do the activities where there was a spot left.

If I had the oportunity to visit Harbin again, I would prioritize these activities:

1. Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo: This was my favorite event at the festival and I’m very happy to visit here day and night. The atmosphere is amazing and for the rumours that key events in China can be often overcrowded, I felt the crowds were not as large as rumours talk about.
2. Harbin Ice and Snow World: This is the other key event of the festival. To be honest, if you have only a day to visit, I would do these two events and nothing else. Here you will see enormous buildings and structures made out of ice. It was simply amazing to see blocks of ice creating towering structures where you can step in and take a look. Just like at the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, the Snow World turns like a fantasy world once the sun sets.
3. Exploring Harbin: Not everything revolves around the Ice Festival. Harbin is a very interesting city with a lot to offer and just wandering around can give you a good idea of Harbin’s connection to Russia and to the ice.
4. Siberian Tiger Park: Unfortuantely I did not have the chance to go here, but if I get the opportunity to visit Harbin again, this place will be at the top of my list.

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Where to Stay in Harbin

Staying near the festival grounds or in central Harbin will give you easy access to the main attractions.

Luxury:

• Shangri-La Hotel Harbin – 5-star hotel with river views, offering luxurious amenities and easy access to Ice and Snow World.
• Price: From 1200 RMB (160 EUR) per night.

Mid-range:

• Holiday Inn City Centre Harbin – A reliable choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
• Price: From 500 RMB (67 EUR) per night.

Budget:

• Harbin Kazy International Youth Hostel – A cozy, affordable option popular with backpackers and budget travelers. I stayed here and it was a nice choice for those traveling alone.
• Price: From 150 RMB (20 EUR) per night.

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Tips for Visiting the Harbin Ice Festival 2025

1. Dress Warmly Harbin’s winter temperatures can drop as low as -30°C, so dressing in layers is essential. Thermal underwear, a good winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a must.

2. Book Tickets in Advance While you can buy tickets at the gate, it’s a good idea to book your festival tickets online to avoid long lines.

3. Cash or WeChat Pay Many vendors in Harbin, including those at the festival, accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, but it’s always good to carry some cash, especially for street food vendors.

4. Plan Your Day With so much to see, it’s best to plan your visit to the Harbin Ice Festival ahead of time. Consider visiting Ice and Snow World in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the sculptures both in daylight and illuminated at night.

Price Breakdown for Visiting the Harbin Ice Festival 2025

• Festival Entry Fees:
  • Ice and Snow World: 330 RMB (44 EUR)
  • Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo: 240 RMB (32 EUR)
  • Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair: 150 RMB (20 EUR)
• Accommodation:
  • Luxury: From 1200 RMB (160 EUR) per night
  • Mid-range: From 500 RMB (67 EUR) per night
  • Budget: From 150 RMB (20 EUR) per night
• Flights from Beijing to Harbin: Around 500-900 RMB (66-120 EUR)
• Train from Beijing to Harbin: Around 300-600 RMB (40-80 EUR)

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My top recommendation in Harbin

If I could only select only one out of the four events of the Harbin Ice Festival, I would probably select the Harbin Ice and Snow World. This is the largest event in the city and the place that put Harbin’s Ice Festival on the map.

It’s like a small city made of ice. I was astonished while seeing replicas of real size buildings and capturing each detail of the structure.  Although most of these structures were simply for display, there were also other ice formations in which travelers can step on and wander around.

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Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely! The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is one of the most unique and visually stunning events in the world.

I traveled to Harbin only because of the Ice Festival and all my expectations were absolutely fulfill. The number of events and activities is incredible, and the beauty of the structures unbelievable. Even though many consider the ticket prices to each of these events a little bit high, take into consideration the amount of hard work behind each of these structures. Besides, travelers without a higher budget can also get a short glimpse of the Ice Festival all over the city and participate in some of the free events taking place almost every day at the frozen Songhuajiang river.

If you’re a fan of winter landscapes, art, or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Harbin in 2025 should be at the top of your travel list.