（By Yu Haijiang and Wang Xinxin in Harbin）On the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, temperatures dipping to minus 20°C have not dampened the enthusiasm of domestic and international tourists for ice and snow experiences. The 27th Harbin Ice and Snow World, spanning a record 1.2 million square meters — larger than Beijing's Forbidden City — has created a breathtaking, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Visitors from around the world linger among the stunning ice buildings, their exclamations echoing in many languages.
"I heard the Ice and Snow World is even bigger than the Forbidden City, and seeing it in person was truly shocking," said Russian tourist Liudmila as she snapped photos. "These ice and snow structures are so magnificent — it's like stepping into a dream world. My phone's storage is already full from all the pictures!"
Arab tourists accustomed to year-round temperatures above 20°C flew in for the winter thrill. "A 40-degree temperature drop feels so refreshing — this place is incredibly charming," one young woman exclaimed.
American boy Nolan added, "Harbin is freezing, but the moment you enter Ice and Snow World, the cold is forgotten amid pure excitement. It's too beautiful for words."
This year's event used over 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. The design theme — "cultural core, historical context, and international integration" — blends global aesthetics with local heritage. Highlights include an ice replica of Wuhan's Yellow Crane Tower, evoking soaring cranes; a Brussels cityscape featuring the famous "Manneken Pis" statue, symbolizing China-Belgium friendship; and the iconic Harbin Railway Station gate alongside Chinese Baroque-style landscapes that capture the city's unique history.
Beyond visual spectacle, the Ice and Snow World offers upgraded interactive experiences: a super ice slide with 24 lanes totaling 521 meters, a 120-meter-high Snowflake Ferris Wheel for panoramic views, AI-powered interactions, and innovative "frozen flowers" technology that fuses tradition with modernity.
As the 2025-2026 ice and snow season progresses, international tourist arrivals have surged. Convenient charter flights and routes, plus visa-free policies (e.g., with Russia), have driven growth. Ctrip data shows Southeast Asian bookings , from countries like the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia, up 57% year-on-year, with younger traveler, like post-90s and post-00s generations , leading the trend. Russian visitor numbers in early 2026 jumped 173% compared to the previous year.
Zhu Bao, General Manager of Heilongjiang Tianma International Travel Agency Group, noted that Harbin's enhanced tourism products, improved service quality, favorable policies, and better transportation have fueled this influx. Positive word-of-mouth from visitors has boosted the city's global reputation, creating a virtuous cycle for cultural and tourism development.
