Harbin, the capital of China‘s Heilongjiang Province, is aptly known as the “Ice City” for good reason. The Ice City draws millions of excited visitors yearly due to its bitterly cold and long winters, as well as the annual thematic Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival which runs from late December until late February of the following year.
Among the festival’s myriad of attractions, the Harbin Ice-Snow World undeniably reigns supreme and is by far the most sought-after. In fact, this world-renowned ice and snow theme park holds not one but two Guinness World Records for the world’s largest ice and snow theme park, and the world’s largest indoor ice and snow theme park.
Ahead, learn more about why you should put the Harbin Ice-Snow World on your bucket list:
A Tale of Artistry
Back in the year 1999, the inaugural Harbin Ice-Snow World opened its doors to the public in celebration of the upcoming millennium. It undoubtedly looked very different back then, but the Harbin municipal government erected a frozen fantasia complete with ice and snow buildings and sculptures. This later became Harbin’s pride and a defining feature of the city’s identity.
Since then, the city puts together the Harbin Ice-Snow World every year and what sets it apart is its dedication to artistry. Each year, hundreds of skilled artisans painstakingly sculpt and carve hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of ice harvested from the nearby Songhua River. The result is a mesmerising array of sculptures, ranging from life-sized replicas of global landmarks to fantastical creatures and mythical scenes.
The park also hosts an annual ice sculpture competition, where artists from around the globe showcase their unique talents. These intricate creations are illuminated by colourful LED lights, creating a surreal atmosphere that enchants visitors of all ages. The theme park has been expanding year after year, with its latest, its 26th edition, opened on December 21, 2024.
A Record-Breaking Marvel
Promising a magical escape into a frosty wonderland all year round, the 26th edition of the Harbin Ice-Snow World spans an impressive 1 million square metres, a scale up from the previous year’s 800,000 square metres, marking it as the largest in the event’s history. Construction, on the other hand, utilised over 300,000 cubic metres of ice and snow, meticulously crafted into stunning sculptures and structures.
In this dreamlike theme park, there are separate outdoor and indoor areas. While the grandeur of the former is matched only by its fleeting nature and lasts until the ice succumbs to the warmth of spring, the indoor area – a new addition in 2024 – is accessible year round. Inside its frost-laden walls, temperatures are maintained at a crisp -5°C to ensure the integrity of its ice sculptures and attractions.
Compared to the outdoor area, the indoor area reportedly showcases more vibrant ice decorations with intricate and delicate designs. A majority of these sculptures are tinted using edible pigments, so you can rest assured that they are both environmentally friendly and engineered for safe and carefree play, especially for young children.
Fun Activities For All Ages
Aside from the towering ice castles and intricate snow carvings, an array of thrilling activities that celebrate the magic of winter awaits visitors of all ages. The indoor theme park’s highlight is its record-breaking ice labyrinth – a sprawling, glittering maze crafted entirely from ice blocks. Wander through the maze and marvel at the interplay of coloured lights that bring the icy corridors to life.
Amongst the myriad of activities for adventure seekers and families alike include ice slides, snow tubing, and ice skating rinks that provide endless fun. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the horse-drawn sleigh rides are a charming way to explore the park’s snow-covered landscape.
The theme park also features immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences that allow visitors to “travel” to other snowy landscapes around the globe. Combining the world’s most advanced techniques and craftsmanship in ice sculpture and snow architecture, combined with sound, light and digital technologies as well as real-time interactive technology, it is no wonder that the Harbin Ice-Snow World is so popular.
Finally, to take a break from your ice exploration within the magical theme park, do not forget to stop by the snow-themed restaurants and ice bars that serve up hotpot dishes and warming beverages to keep yourselves warm and cosy.
Planning Your Visit
The Harbin Ice-Snow World is a year-round attraction, but it is particularly more enjoyable during the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which takes place annually from late December to February. The festival includes cultural performances, fireworks displays, and nighttime illuminations that transform the theme park into a crystal kingdom.
To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to dress warmly in layers and wear insulated boots. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park entrance, with options for guided tours that provide insights into the history and artistry behind the exhibits.
Featured image: Fred Dufour
