2-Day Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Tour: Sun Island & Ice World

Two days among ice palaces, frozen lakes, and snow sculptures lit up after dark

A private 2-day tour of Harbin's winter ice and snow festivals, visiting Sun Island's snow fair and Harbin Ice and Snow World with a local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance tickets included. Day one covers the Snow Fair on Sun Island, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Songhua River Ropeway, Russian Town, Stalin Park, and Harbin Central Street. Day two features an ice swimming show at Songhua River Pool and the illuminated ice palace at Ice and Snow World. The guide speaks English or Chinese and can arrange optional stops if you request them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Harbin Snow Fair and City Highlights

• Meet guide at hotel at 9:00am
• Visit Harbin Snow Fair on Sun Island
• See snow sculptures and play on frozen lake
• Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral
• Take Harbin Songhua River Ropeway
• Explore Russian Town
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Flood Control Memorial Tower
• Walk in Stalin Park and see snowmen
• Stroll Zhongyang Pedestrian Street
• See Ice Lantern Show (if in January)

Day 2: Ice Swimming and Ice Festival Experience

• Meet guide at hotel lobby at 9:20am
• Watch Ice Swimming Show at Songhua River Pool
• Lunch break
• Visit Harbin Ice and Snow World Festival
• Enjoy colorful ice buildings and ice palace
• Return to hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you at your hotel at 9:00 am on day one and takes you to Sun Island, where the Snow Fair fills a frozen landscape with snow sculptures you can walk among and a frozen lake where you can play. From there the route moves through Harbin's landmarks: Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Songhua River Ropeway for views across the city, and Russian Town with its historic architecture. A lunch break at a local restaurant gives you a chance to warm up before the afternoon leg.

The first day ends on Harbin Central Street, the city's most prominent walking street, and if you're traveling in January the guide will take you to the Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin Park (if it's running that season, if not, you'll visit another site instead). Day two starts at 9:20 am with the ice swimming show at Songhua River Pool, where you'll watch swimmers enter the icy water. After lunch you head to Harbin Ice and Snow World, where the ice palace structures are carved from massive ice blocks. When the lights come on at dusk, the buildings glow in color. The tour ends with a return to your hotel.

The private vehicle and guide are yours for both days, so the pace stays under your control and you can ask about stops not on the itinerary. Just email ahead or mention it to your guide on the morning of day one and she or he will arrange it. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking boots rated for cold. The winter weather in Harbin is severe, but the guide will keep you moving and the local restaurants serve hot meals. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off on both days.
• private guide fluent in English or Chinese.
• entrance tickets to Sun Island Snow Fair and Harbin Ice and Snow World.
• transport by private vehicle for the full 2 days.
• lunch arrangements at local restaurants (meals paid separately).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00 and 10:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (6 to 8 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Tour Guide

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or directions to the first meeting point, and the private guide handles all the logistics across both days: useful if you're staying in the city center or arriving without a rental. The fixed itinerary covers the two main ice festivals in a single 2-day block, so you see both Sun Island and Ice and Snow World without splitting the trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 8 years); Infant (under 6).

What exactly is the Snow Fair on Sun Island?

Sun Island hosts Harbin's winter snow fair, where large snow sculptures are carved and displayed across a frozen landscape. You can walk among the sculptures and play on the frozen lake during your visit on day one.

Does the tour include meals?

Lunch is arranged on both days at local restaurants, but the cost of meals is not included in the tour price. You pay for what you order.

What happens if the Ice Lantern Show isn't running when I visit?

The Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin Park typically opens on January 1st. If it's not running during your travel dates, your guide will take you to another attraction instead.

Can I request stops that aren't on the itinerary?

Yes. If there are touristic places you want to visit that aren't listed, email the operator before your tour or mention it to your guide on the morning of day one, and she or he will arrange to take you there if possible.

What should I wear for two days in Harbin winter?

Dress in warm layers and wear comfortable walking boots designed to keep your feet warm in cold weather. The winter in Harbin is severe, but the guide will keep the pace manageable and you'll have warm meals at local restaurants.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The operator notes that most travelers can participate.