Winter Tour of Harbin: Experience the 'Oriental Moscow' and the New Joy of a Journey Blending Ice and Fire

Harbin, also known as 'Ice City' and 'Oriental Moscow', has long and enchanting winters. As the saying goes, 'In the northern country, thousands of miles are sealed in ice, and thousands of miles of snow drift,' with an average outdoor winter temperature reaching as low as -25°C. It is precisely the ice and snow journey that we southerners long to experience.

This year, we continued to come to Harbin to immerse ourselves in its ice and snow culture. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel by the Songhua River. This time, we had a three-day, two-night ice and snow tour, spending one night each at the Shangri-La Harbin and the Shangri-La Songbei, Harbin.

The rich variety of ice activities and the warm, thoughtful hotel experience made us so happy that we didn't want to go home.

On the first day, we checked into the Shangri-La Songbei, Harbin. The room was spacious and comfortable, with simple yet elegant decoration, modern and stylish.

From the room, we could enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the Songhua River and the beautiful city scenery from different angles.

Thanks to the sheer height, we could overlook the city skyline and the beauty of the Songhua River from the windowsill, and also take in the magnificent view of the Ice and Snow World.

There is also a heated indoor swimming pool here. In winter with temperatures below minus twenty degrees Celsius, you can still enjoy swimming at a constant 28°C, and the view is fantastic.

During our stay, we were also given an exclusive welcome plush toy (a very cute Siberian tiger), a thoughtful warm pack (including gloves, hats, and other winter accessories), and access to the shuttle bus between the hotel and attractions.

At the Shangri-La's Shang Palace Chinese restaurant, we could taste a set menu featuring Northeastern specialties, such as the Northeast iron pot stew and Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork). Not only could we feel the hospitality of the Northeastern people, but we could also savor the hearty boldness of Northeastern cuisine.

The hotel also offers a variety of outdoor ice activities. The small outdoor ice rink in the hotel's back garden allows guests to spin ice tops and ride ice sleds just outside the door.

There is also a very unique experience project—water splash turns to ice. Splashing water in the icy world creates flying snowflakes, creating a romantic and cool experience for guests.

The Shangri-La Songbei, Harbin is conveniently located, adjacent to several local scenic spots such as the Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Park, Siberian Tiger Park, and Harbin Grand Theatre, all very close.

The Shangri-La Harbin and the Shangri-La Songbei, Harbin each have their own distinct characteristics. The seasonal contrast of warm interiors and icy outdoors, along with the vastly different experience activities, is quite remarkable.

The rooms at the Shangri-La Harbin are exquisite and elegant. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful cityscape and the snow-covered scenery of the Songhua River.

The hotel has 6 completely different themed family suites and 20 deluxe family rooms. The suites include six themes: Jungle, Treehouse, Space, Castle, Ice and Snow, and Winter. The immersive space design is perfect for family travelers with children.

There is a metro station (Line 2, People's Square Station) about 1.2 kilometers from the hotel, which is about a 15-minute walk.

The Shangri-La Harbin has a great location. It is very close to famous attractions such as Central Street, and only a 10-minute drive from the iconic Flood Control Monument, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and other sights.

The hotel offers traditional handmade paper-cutting and other locally characteristic fun activities for guests, allowing them to experience the warmth of Northeast hospitality.

If you haven't been to Central Street, you haven't truly visited Harbin. Central Street is located in Daoli District, Harbin. This street was first built in 1900, with a history of over a hundred years. Both sides of the street are lined with Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings.

Walking along Central Street, you can feel the civilized memory in every cobblestone.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Saint Sophia Cathedral is a landmark building in Harbin. It is a typical Byzantine-style church, forming Harbin's unique exotic cultural landscape and urban charm.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Sparkling ice, pure white snow, melodious music, and colorful lights—experience the charm of the Ice and Snow World.

Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo

Dream of the snow kingdom, the dreamy Snow Expo, painting dreams in the ice city, appreciating the beauty of snow and the rhythm of ice.

Harbin Grand Theatre

The Harbin Grand Theatre features an irregular hyperboloid exterior design. It is a landmark building in Harbin, built by the water, consistent with the positioning and design of Harbin Cultural Island, reflecting the design concept of northern scenery and land landscape.

Some rooms at the Shangri-La Songbei, Harbin offer a panoramic view of the Harbin Grand Theatre.

Siberian Tiger Park in Heilongjiang

The Siberian Tiger Park was established to rescue and protect the endangered Siberian tigers. It is the world's largest breeding and raising base for Siberian tigers. In the ice and snow world, see how Siberian tigers enjoy the fun of winter.

The above is Le Wan Jun's Harbin travel guide. In the next article, I will continue to share my travel experiences in Heilongjiang.

Hi, I am Le Wan Jun, sharing what I see and hear on my journeys every day. If you think my travel tips help you make better travel decisions, please follow my homepage.