Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is experiencing a significant surge in winter tourism. As the ice and snow tourism season reaches its peak, the city continues to attract a growing number of visitors with its diverse winter activities, expanding infrastructure, and exceptional local hospitality.
Last winter, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists, marking a remarkable 300 percent year-on-year increase. Tourism revenue soared by 500 percent to 124.8 billion yuan ($17.3 billion), highlighting the city's pivotal role in China's booming ice and snow economy.
This year, the demand for winter leisure travel remains robust. Hotel bookings for the Spring Festival have increased by 76 percent compared to last year, according to Chinese travel platform Qunar. The anticipation of the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, along with the introduction of new winter-themed travel options, has further enhanced the city's appeal.
New Travel Experiences Drive Demand
In response to the growing demand, Harbin has introduced new winter-themed train routes, improving 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. Additionally, the K5197 ice and snow travel photography train features specially designed cabins that provide studio photoshoot services, a concept particularly popular 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,\" said Jin Yue, a traveler from Liaoning Province, to China Media Group (CMG).
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Harbin's winter tourism booms with new experiences, upgraded services
cgtn.com
