Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival: A Winter Wonderland

Each January, Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, undergoes a remarkable transformation as it hosts the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. This festival, themed "A Fairy Tale World," is recognized as the largest ice and snow festival globally, attracting millions of visitors who come to witness the stunning ice sculptures illuminated by thousands of lights. The festival runs until mid-February, offering a magical experience that includes activities such as ice swimming and a super ice slide.

DW NewsLive: World's largest ice-and-snow theme park in China's Harbin – EP. 5The Durango HeraldSnow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing ReviewChina's Ice and Snow Tourism Reports Rapid GrowthIn pics: 28th Harbin international snow sculpture competition in NE China

The ice and snow tourism sector in China is experiencing significant growth, with a report from the China Tourism Academy (CTA) indicating that the industry is entering a phase of sustained prosperity. By the end of 2025, over 14,000 enterprises related to ice and snow tourism are expected to operate, with projections of attracting 360 million travelers during the 2025-2026 winter season. This surge is anticipated to generate approximately 450 billion yuan (about US$64.4 billion) in revenue. Key destinations like Harbin Ice-Snow World and the Changbai Mountain ski resort are pivotal in this growth, drawing large crowds with their impressive attractions.

China's Ice and Snow Tourism Reports Rapid GrowthSnow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing ReviewLive: World's largest ice-and-snow theme park in China's Harbin – EP. 5DW NewsIn pics: 28th Harbin international snow sculpture competition in NE China

The ice and snow economy in Heilongjiang has seen a remarkable expansion, with the sector's scale surpassing 1 trillion yuan (about $143 billion) in 2025, nearly quadrupling from 270 billion yuan in 2015. The CTA attributes this growth to innovative tourism products, including ice sculpting workshops and themed travel experiences. The recent New Year's holiday alone saw Harbin welcome over 4.1 million travelers, who contributed 5.56 billion yuan (about US$0.8 billion) to the local economy.

Snow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing Review

Heilongjiang officials are actively promoting the region's ice and snow economy as a means of revitalizing the local economy. The province has implemented a monitoring system to track key sectors related to ice and snow, aiming to guide targeted business policies. The success of the Harbin festival and related events has garnered international attention, with foreign officials noting the city's innovative practices in transforming its winter landscape into a thriving economic sector.

Snow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing Review

Despite the festival's success, some critics argue that the environmental impact of large-scale ice and snow tourism needs to be addressed. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of such events and their effects on local ecosystems, prompting calls for more environmentally friendly practices in the tourism sector.

China's Ice and Snow Tourism Reports Rapid Growth

As the festival continues, Harbin is set to unveil new attractions, including hot spring campsites and riverside carnivals, further enhancing its appeal as a winter tourism destination. The ongoing development of infrastructure and services aims to attract even more visitors, solidifying Harbin's status as a premier location for ice and snow experiences.

Snow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing Review

• “This has been one of the most spectacular experiences of my life.” — Andrew Knack, Mayor of Edmonton, Canada

Snow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing Review

• “a new stage of sustained prosperity,” — China Tourism Academy Report

Snow becomes gold as tourists embrace the cold in China-- Beijing Review