Every time I told someone in China that I was going to Harbin, they told me the same thing: you absolutely have to see the Ice and Snow World. So that's the whole reason I went. I was very happy with that choice. It was absolutely amazing.

Getting to Harbin

I came into Harbin by train from Genhe, right after Christmas with the reindeer herders, and I flew out when I left. For most people, I'd recommend flying in and out of Harbin. I went all by myself.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

This is the main event of the Harbin Ice Festival: a huge park full of buildings, castles and sculptures carved out of ice and snow. It's open roughly from Christmas to mid-February each year, so check the exact dates before you plan your trip.

John in a fuzzy animal hat at Harbin Ice and Snow World at night
The snowflake Ferris wheel at Harbin Ice and Snow World at sunset

My tip: go in the afternoon so you see the ice sculptures in daylight, then stay after dark when everything lights up in color. Just don't plan on staying too long. It gets even colder once the sun goes down.

Giant ice castle at Harbin Ice and Snow World in daylight
The same kind of ice castles lit up pink and blue at night at Harbin Ice and Snow World

Siberian Tiger Park: like Jurassic World

The Siberian Tiger Park was a last-minute decision. I had an extra day in Harbin and was trying to figure out what to do, and it turned out to be really cool.

You ride through the park in vehicles that honestly felt like something out of Jurassic World, and I got to feed real tigers meat right from the van. The park also has lions and sun bears. It was kind of crazy, because you can even buy live chickens to feed to the tigers. I didn't do that, but it was interesting to watch, since that would never be allowed in the USA. I'd definitely recommend going.

A Siberian tiger up close at the window of the tour vehicle at Harbin Siberian Tiger Park

St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral is another place people love to visit in Harbin. It's a Russian Orthodox cathedral, completed in 1932, and it shows the city's strong Russian history. Today it's a museum. You'll see lots of Chinese tourists dressed up and posing for photos in front of it.

St. Sophia Cathedral in Harbin with its green domes

Food in Harbin

The food in Harbin was good, but honestly it didn't stand out compared to other places I've eaten in China. Because of the Russian influence, you'll find a lot more bread, pastries and sausages here.

A Harbin sausage on a stick

It's also really popular to eat popsicles on Central Street, even in the freezing cold. I can't stand eating popsicles (it's some sort of phobia), so I'll let you report back on that one.

How cold is Harbin?

Very cold. When I was there it averaged about -5°F. Dress in warm layers, and don't forget good gloves, a hat and warm boots.

John bundled up in a hood and hat on a cold Harbin night

Quick tips

  • Getting there: fly in and out of Harbin.
  • When to go: Ice and Snow World runs roughly from Christmas to mid-February. Check the dates for your year.
  • Ice and Snow World: arrive in the afternoon and stay for the lights after dark.
  • Got an extra day? Go to the Siberian Tiger Park.
  • Don't miss: St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street.
  • Dress for the cold: it was about -5°F on average when I visited.

Watch the whole trip in the video above, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more adventures across China and around the world.

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