10 Best Things to Do in Harbin: Top Attractions and Cool Experiences

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, boasts both the romantic European-style architecture and the dreamlike winter wonderland, along with universally praised cuisine and a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is perfect not only for young travelers looking to snap Instagram-worthy photos but also for elderly tourists seeking leisurely exploration. Below are the top 10 things to do in Harbin, China.

1. Embrace the Magic of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Harbin is one of the best places to visit in China during winter, with so many icy wonders and activities. Harbin Ice and Snow World is the world's largest indoor ice and snow theme park, and also one of the most core and famous venues of Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. This dreamy ice and snow kingdom uses numerous ice blocks to create all kinds of exquisitely carved ice sculptures.

Exploring the Ice and Snow World is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Harbin’s Ice Festival, and you'll be amazed by the towering castles, lifelike animals, and colorful light shows. There are also ice dancing performances or even workshops for you to try making your own ice art.

>> Recommended 3-day Harbin Ice Festival tour

2. Appreciate the Natural Beauty of Harbin

Wondering what to see in Harbin? Harbin Sun Island Scenic Area stands out among Harbin’s natural landscapes. Its scenery varies with the seasons. Particularly, visiting there is among the top things to do in Harbin in summer as it is a summer resort. The river floodplain wetland grassland is full of greenery, and flower fields and lakes form a natural oxygen bar. You can ride horses on the grassland or take a boat on the lake. In winter, it turns into a snow-covered wonderland. Visit Harbin Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo to appreciate exquisite snow sculptures.Facing Sun Island across the Songhua River, Harbin Stalin Park also presents stunning views. It is a 1,750-meter-long ribbon-shaped open park built along the embankment. In summer, the park is covered with green grass and blooming flowers; in winter, it's wrapped in white snow, creating a fascinating sight. Additionally, the park features landscapes imitating classical Russian architectural style, five-color grass flower beds, and art sculptures, forming a fairy-tale-like world.

3. Marvel at the Architecture of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Harbin

Saint Sophia Cathedral is also among the must-visit places in Harbin. This magnificent Byzantine-style Orthodox church is one of Harbin's landmark buildings, and its night lighting adds some exotic atmosphere. The green onion domes and red brick exterior walls are extremely beautiful. Admiring its architecture remains one of the top things to do in Harbin. Entering the church, you'll be surprised by the internal gilded murals. The overall 40 windows are cleverly arranged at the base of the dome, which creates a mysterious lighting effect that makes the dome appear to float above the main hall. By the way, St. Sophia Cathedral Square is the best site for taking photos and feeding pigeons.

4.Stroll along Zhongyang Pedestrian Street

Zhongyang Pedestrian Street is paved with century-old "bread stones" and is itself an open-air architectural art museum. Wandering along this commercial street, you’ll find that it’s lined with numerous European-style buildings in Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles, as if taking you to a romantic European town. 

During your Harbin travel to the Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, you can taste authentic Madele ice cream, buy various characteristic souvenirs, and feel the perfect blend of history and modernity. At the end of the street is the Flood Control Monument, where you can overlook the Songhua River.

5. Take the Sightseeing Cableway across the Songhua River

Taking the sightseeing cable car across the Songhua River is one of the best things to do in Harbin, which gives you a panoramic view of both banks. It is Heilongjiang Province's only river-crossing cable car, and this 1,156-meter-long ride spans the Songhua River at 70 meters high. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or when lights come on, you'll enjoy a visual feast. By day, see the shimmering river blend with Russian-style architecture on both shores. Board at dusk for a window seat to watch the entire Songhua River gilded in gold.

As the cable car slowly ascends, the Songhua River winds below like a silver ribbon. However, in winter, the frozen river becomes a giant playground for Harbin winter activities — think ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, and even Songhua River winter swimming, a daring local tradition.

6. Meet Harbin’s Wildlife and Polar Animals

Visit the Siberian Tiger Park is one of the fun things to do in Harbin. It's one of the world’s largest Siberian tiger breeding bases, home to over 900 purebred Siberian tigers. You can take a feeding vehicle to observe tigers hunting at close range, or admire the adorable and majestic tigers of different ages on the walking trails.

Harbin Polarland is also one of the top attractions in Harbin, and encountering the polar animals here is an interesting experience, particularly for families with kids. It is a highlighted theme park integrating polar animal exhibits, educational shows, and interactive experiences. As China's largest indoor polar pavilion, it is home to lovely creatures like cute penguins, good-natured polar bears, and intelligent beluga whales. Don't miss the amazing whale performances.

>> Recommended 4-day Harbin family tour

7. Enjoy Skiing and Winter Sports in Harbin

There is no doubt that skiing in Harbin Yabuli Ski Resort is among the best things to do in Harbin in winter. Yabuli holds a special place in China as the host of numerous prestigious winter sports competitions, including the National Winter Games and Asian Winter Games. It has over 40 ski trails of different skill levels, with a total length exceeding 70 kilometers. Not just skiing, you can also try snowmobiles, dog sleds, snow tubes, and winter hikes in the forest.

>> Recommended 5-day Harbin tour with Yabuli Ski Resort

For those fond of indoor winter sports in Harbin, Wanda Indoor Ski Resort is an ideal place to go. As one of the world's largest indoor ski resorts, this architectural marvel has a unique streamlined design resembling a grand piano frame, with excellent facilities and snow. Hence, skiing or snowboarding in Harbin Wanda Indoor Ski Resort will be a wonderful experience for anyone traveling to Harbin, China.

>> Check out the top 6 ski resorts in China

8. Explore the Enchanting Harbin Botanical Garden

Harbin Botanical Garden is a huge green space right in the city, famous for its Northeast China plants. It’s the only urban forest park in a provincial capital in China. With 13 special gardens (like tulips and herbs), it’s great for the elders and anyone who loves nature—just walk around and breathe in the fresh air.

Visiting the botanical garden ranks among the best things to do in Harbin in October, during which you can see the birch tree path look like a Russian forest, with golden leaves covering the walkway. The Autumn Garden is packed with red maple trees (from America and Canada) and other colorful leaves. For the best view, climb the Qingyun Tower to see the whole garden in fall colors on your Harbin tour in China.

9. Discover the Fairyland of China Snow Town

Just a 5-hour drive from Harbin, China Snow Town is a winter paradise where snow-laden cottages resemble scenes from a fairy tale. For those planning winter things to do in Harbin in December and January, a visit to China Snow Town is absolutely worth the trip.

By day, the village sparkles under thick, cottony snowdrifts; by night, it transforms into a luminous dreamscape. If you seek adventure during your China winter tour to the Snow Town, try dashing across the snow via dog sleds, or go Snow Town hiking. For culture lovers, you can don traditional floral jackets for photos before indulging in Northeastern street food, parades, and Yangko dances around crackling bonfires—a true celebration of frosty festivities.

>> Recommended 4-day Harbin & China Snow Town tour

10. Experience Harbin’s Local Food and Nightlife

Harbin’s title as "China’s Western Food Capital" is rooted in its Russian cuisine. Tatos Restaurant, opened in 1901, feels like a museum, with old items like record players and wine labels. The special Harbin sausage is the city’s culinary signature—some brands are smoky, others salty. Don’t forget Madie'er ice cream on Central Street! Also, the authentic Harbin local food is worth trying, such as the crispy sweet pork, thin spring pancakes, dumplings, and grilled cold noodles.

When night falls, Harbin transforms from China’s winter wonderland into a neon-lit playground. Thinking about what to do in Harbin at night? To experience real Harbin nightlife, visit Hexing 11th Street Night Market. It has all kinds of Northeast Chinese food - grilled meats, fried dishes - best with local Harbin beer. There are also fun old-style stalls. Shida Night Market is another busy spot offering delicious food that young people love. If you want a quieter place with drinks and music, head to Sub Rock Bar.

Plan a Harbin Tour with Easy Tour China

Ready to experience all the amazing things to do in Harbin? To make the most of your trip, travel with Easy Tour China, a reliable travel agency with over 20 years of experience in tailor-made China tours. We can customize a Harbin tour that perfectly suits your interests—whether you want to explore cultural landmarks, taste local delicacies, or simply enjoy the ice and snow wonders at your own pace. If you’d like a ready-to-go plan, check out our popular China tour packages with Harbin below.

7 Days Beijing Harbin Winter Tour

11 Days Northeastern China Tour to Harbin by Speed Train