Felix Bernard’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ really comes to life in the capital of China’s Heilongjiang province, Harbin. Established in 1898, the city has actually developed from a little rural settlement on the Songhua River to among the biggest cities in Northeast China.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Harbin is blessed with dry, freezing-cold winter seasons, making it a perfect winter season location. This is mainly thanks to the city’s yearly ice celebration; a two-month-long extravaganza including huge lit-up ice sculptures. Now in its 40th edition, the 2024 Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival began on December 20, 2023 (with the main opening event happening on January 5, 2024), and goes through completion of February 2024.
Keep in mind that throughout the Chinese New Year (February 9-15, 2024) visitors can anticipate the celebration to be more congested and hotel rates to be greater, so it’s recommended to go to beyond these dates, if possible.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Among the 4 biggest ice celebrations on the planet, Harbin’s model is a must-see for the large phenomenon alone, however there’s plenty more to the ‘Ice City’ than simply ice. When in the area for a check out, you can check out the Russian-influenced architecture while drinking in your area brewed Harbin beer.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Invest a night listening to China’s earliest symphony and after that fill on Dongbei food with a side of Russian flare. Walk along Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, go to a book shop filled with Old World appeal, swing through cultural and history museums, have a look at a Russian design amusement park, go snowmobiling in a frozen tundra and round everything out with ice skating and tobogganing along the Songhua River.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Located near the border of Russia, the strong Eastern European and Jewish impacts appear from the streets– which wind in normal winding European style– to the table, where regional Harbin-style smoked tasty red sausage is more similar to the moderate German design instead of Chinese.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Visually, the city boasts powerful historical architecture, varying from temples, churches (consisting of the popular Russian Orthodox Church of St. Sophia) and synagogues. These mark Harbin’s Daoli district, a popular traveler area. Those looking for quieter and genuine Chinese culture can go to ‘Old Harbin’ in Daowai district.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
There’s something unquestionably modern-day about Harbin. Have a look at the sculptural Harbin Opera House and Grand Theater. Much better– or a minimum of greater– yet, get on Harbin’s Ferris wheel for views of the entire city (simply keep in mind to bring your coat and an additional set of gloves).
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Harbin International Ice & & Snow Sculpture Festival (哈尔滨国际雪雕节)
The flashing ice-jewel in Harbin’s metaphorical ice-crown, Harbin’s yearly two-month-long Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is not to be missed out on. Bring in countless visitors every year, both regional and worldwide, the celebration consists of jaw-dropping ice sculpture shows that are remarkable in both size and artistry.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Happening throughout numerous places, the celebration has a various style every year, with both snow and ice sculpture architecture sticking to very same style.
The celebration itself is the biggest of its kind internationally, boasting the world’s most significant ice sculptures. Admire life-sized structures and dreamy castles while delighting in the snow-sports available, like sledding and ice-skating. Make certain to go to during the night– when you can see the structures illuminated by countless vibrant LED lights fitted inside each sculpture.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Developed in 1985, the celebration’s exhibitions are crafted by ice sculpture professionals from all around the world. The celebration is not just a skillful work of artistry however likewise a chance for cultural exchange. The 3 significant places that comprise the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival are Sun Island, Ice and Snow World, and Zhaolin Park.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Sun Islandhomes the Snow Sculpture Exposition and the world’s biggest indoor ice and snow art museum. While the other 2 places can be gone to in the evening, Sun Island is a daytime area. Entryway in 2024 is RMB330 per individual.
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Ice and Snow Worldwas integrated in 1999 and is a huge ice architecture park. Its style each year is motivated by various world-famous architecture, such as the pyramids of Egypt for instance, along with standard Chinese tales. Entryway in 2024 is RMB330 per individual.
Ice and Snow World is the most remarkable destination and looks rather various both throughout the day, shimmering in the sunlight, and during the night, illuminated in a rainbow of colors to the musical background of an interactive light program.
We recommend going to throughout both times.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s
Finally,Zhaolin Parkis a must-visit for its gorgeous ice lanterns, which are made by sculpting and embellishing piled-up snow. A wide variety of items are sculpted from the ice, like European-style churches, gardens, fantastical animals and waterfalls. The sculptures here are fairly smaller sized, which is why entryway is totally free. This part of Harbin is likewise best seen during the night.