Ice and snow
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Ice and Snow World | A city of ice palaces and sculptures lit up in colour at night, with long ice slides. | From about 20–25 December 2026 to late February 2027; about ¥330 a day |
| The Sun Island snow sculptures | Huge white snow sculptures in a park on the river. | January and February |
| The Zhaolin Park ice lanterns | Harbin's oldest ice lantern show, in the city centre. | In winter |
| Yabuli skiing | China's largest ski resort, with a long snow season. | About 200 kilometres away; mid-November to late March |
The city
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Central Street | A cobbled street of old European architecture, shops and cafés. | Central Harbin |
| Saint Sophia Cathedral | A green-domed church built in 1907, now a museum of architecture. | Central Harbin |
| The Songhua River | A riverside promenade in summer, and activities on the ice when it freezes in winter. | North of Central Street |
| The Siberian Tiger Park | Hundreds of Siberian tigers seen from a bus inside the park. | North of the river |
Tips before you go
- Winter is extremely cold, down to 20 or 30 below zero, so wear layers and heavy gloves.
- Ice and Snow World is loveliest after dark when the palaces light up.
- Saudi passport holders enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026.
More places nearby
- Things to do in China
- Guangzhou and Shenzhen
- Things to do in Beijing
- Things to do in Shanghai
- Things to do in Xi'an
- Things to do in Chengdu
- Things to do in Guilin and Yangshuo
- Things to do in Zhangjiajie
- Things to do in Hangzhou
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Harbin?
Ice and Snow World, the Sun Island snow sculptures, the ice lanterns, Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Songhua River and Yabuli skiing.
When does Ice and Snow World open?
Usually from late December to late February; for 2026–2027 around 20 to 25 December.
How much is Ice and Snow World?
About ¥330 for one day.
Planning your trip to China? Read Travel to China from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.