A record-breaking snow park is set to open its gates in Harbin, the capital of China’s Heilongjiang Province, drawing attention from winter tourism lovers around the world. The park, named the 27th Harbin Ice-Snow World, officially begins welcoming visitors on Dec. 17.
Spanning over 1.2 million square meters, the snow park is being hailed as the largest of its kind globally. It showcases stunning landscapes made from 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. This year’s theme, “Ice and Snow, Fairy Tale World,” transforms the space into a visually captivating winter scene inspired by magical stories.
The park’s design includes three scenic walkways, a grand outdoor stage, and an impressive air-supported hall measuring 5,000 square meters. New features this year include smart lighting and interactive technology that help bring the frozen structures to life. Organizers say these additions are designed to make the experience more engaging and memorable for visitors.
Center stage for winter events and entertainment
The Harbin Ice-Snow World is also the main venue for a lineup of seasonal events. These include the opening ceremony of the internationally known Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. The site will host various winter sports and performances, such as international ice sculpture contests, snow football tournaments, ice hockey matches, and a New Year’s Eve concert.
To encourage early attendance, adult tickets are being offered at a discounted rate of 298 yuan (around US$42) from Dec. 17 to 23. After that, the regular price of 328 yuan (about US$47) will apply.
Harbin’s wider push for winter tourism
In addition to the snow park, Harbin is promoting two other major winter attractions. The Sun Island Snow Expo spans 1.5 million square meters and offers expansive snow-themed displays. Meanwhile, the Ice and Snow Carnival, set along the frozen Songhua River, features around 260 snow sculptures and more than 60 winter activities, including rides and games suitable for families.
Local tourism officials aim to position Harbin as a leading winter destination, not only within China but also on the global stage. With these large-scale attractions and unique events, the city is building a reputation as a must-visit spot during the colder months.