As the ice and snow tourism season is in full swing, Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, continues to attract a growing number of visitors. With its diverse winter activities, expanding infrastructure, and local hospitality, the city remains a key destination in China's booming ice and snow economy.
During the previous winter season, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists, marking a 300 percent year-on-year increase, while tourism revenue soared 500 percent to 124.8 billion yuan ($17.3 billion).
This year, demand for winter leisure travel remains strong, with Spring Festival hotel bookings up 76 percent from last year, according to Chinese travel platform Qunar. The upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games and new winter-themed travel options have further fueled the city's appeal.
New Travel Experiences Drive Demand
To meet the growing demand, new winter-themed train routes have been introduced, enhancing accessibility and offering unique experiences. The K974 ice and snow-themed train, launched by China Railway Nanchang Group, now connects Xiamen and Harbin, making winter tourism more convenient for travelers from the south. Another addition, the K5197 ice and snow travel photography train, features specially designed cabins that offer studio photoshoot services – a concept popular particularly among elderly travelers.
\"I am 72 years old this year. I came here to experience this tourist train and the travel photography service, and it has been a wonderful surprise,\" Jin Yue, a traveler from Liaoning Province, told China Media Group (CMG).
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Harbin's winter tourism booms with new experiences, upgraded services
cgtn.com
