Overview:
If you're planning travel to China in the winter, then why not embrace the bitter cold and visit the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival? As long as you're bundled up, seeing the amazing snow and ice sculptures as part of your trip to China will be unforgettable. Harbin is a fascinating city to visit in itself, with it's history as part of Manchuria and Russian influence.
Location:
Zhaolin Park (pronounced "jow lihn") in central Harbin next to the Songhua River.
History:
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival has been celebrated annually since 1985.
Features:
- Historical monuments as well as other themes re-created in ice and snow, colored lighting at night so the sculptures can be enjoyed both day and evening.
- Fantastic fireworks display on opening night.
- Giant ice slide in the shape of the Great Wall for kids and adults.
- Winter swimming in the Songhua River, not for the faint of heart!
Getting There:
Harbin is linked by air and train to most major Chinese cities. Once in Harbin, you'll be hard-pressed to miss the festival. But electric bus routes 101, 103 and 114 all get you to the Park.
Essentials:
- Festival officially starts January 5 each year and lasts one month.
- Harbin Weather:
Tips:Plan for cold like you've never experienced (unless you are from Siberia or the Antarctic). Harbin is no place to look glamorous, so get out the layers. Packing musts include:
- Down outerwear - a ski suit isn't a bad idea
- Lined, warm boots and wool socks
- Long underwear
- Hat, gloves, scarf, etc.
- Chapstick, lotion: it's skin-crackling dry cold in the north so bring along some moisturizer to keep you comfortable
