How to get to Harbin Ice Festival China

Where is Harbin Ice Festival?

The main park which is truly sensational by night is known as Snow and Ice World

It truly is a magical winter wonderland that bursts into colour and comes to life at night.

They often have shows inside the park, so check out the times on arrival as they may work out well as a fun way of taking a break from the cold. There are coffee shops and cafes in the ice park, though pricey, they also give you chance to defrost.  Ooo and  make sure you brave one of their super fun slide! Some of the best are towards the hill at the back.

How to get to Harbin Ice Festival

There are bullet trains and numerous overnight slow trains leaving from Beijing daily. You can check out the times here www.chinatrainguide.com before heading down to book in person. You can also fly into Harbin, www.english.ctrip.com is a good option for booking your flights. Please note the festival is immensely popular with locals, especially around Chinese New Year and you should book as in advance as possible

Once you have made your way to Harbin by train of plane we would recommend staying near the pedestrianised area that leads to the Songhua River.

How to get to Snow and Ice World

By Bus

Buses 13, 29, 88, 125,126 do run to the park entrance, but as the routes change a lot it can be difficult to jump on one. If you can’t find one, try a taxi.

By Taxi

A taxi should on the meter should cost no more than 20-30 RMB from the pedestrianized area.

If you’re lucky:

Many hostels and hotels also arrange buses, but you have to book in advance.

Getting Away from Snow and Ice World

On your return from Ice and Snow World, taxi drivers are waiting at the exit to hold you to ransom for your return journey  (People have been asked for anything up to 300 / 400 RMB).  Unless you’re fine with that, we would strongly advise walking out to the local 2 RMB buses that head back to town and then if needed get a taxi from there. The buses should be very easy to spot, they are usually located to the right hand side as you exit the park and will all at least get you away from the taxi trap; 13 and 29 in particular will get you to the pedestrianised areas.

If you are struggling to find it, perhaps ask a few locals till you find some that speaks English.

Stupid Scams and Frustrations

It boarders on a scam what the Taxi’s try to charge to get back from the park, so please read the getting away carefully.

When heading TO the Ice and Snow World, some taxis will try to take you to a ‘bus station’ where you buy your ticket for both the bus and the park entrance. This is just so they can take a cut and not have to actually take you to the festival. Simply refuse to pay here and insist they take you to the festival or try another taxi. Taxis absolutely are allowed in the park area and can take you straight there!

Only pay for your ticket on arrival at the park. The entry costs are outlined below and it depend on the date, time of date and your age.

Ticket Prices for Harbin Ice Festival

When to go to Harbin Ice Festival

January 5^th to late February each year. The dates vary a little from year to year, so please double check before booking anything!

How long you need for Harbin Ice Festival?

It comes to life at night, but is still beautiful during the day.  Many can only last 3 to 4 hours in the cold.  Our recommendation is to go an hour before it gets dark, so you get to see it go though all its spectacular phases.

Where to stay during Harbin Ice Festival?

If you’re visiting whilst the Ice Festival is on, you REALLY need to book somewhere in advance.  We left it late a bit late and in the end stayed in the Ibis in the middle of town.  Although it cost more than we usually like to spend, it was a lovely WARM clean option. Booking is the best for finding affordable highly rated accommodation during Harbin Ice festival.

Best Things to do during Harbin Ice Festival

To discover the best way to make the most out of your trip to Harbin Ice Festival, check out our Epic blog with all the best FUN things to do during Harbin Ice Festival. We have found some absolute gems! We have also put together all the info on where everything it is what it costs; We hope it makes YOUR trip magical!