As the ice and snow tourism season reaches its peak, Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in the northeast of the Chinese mainland, continues to magnetize an ever-increasing number of visitors. Renowned for its diverse winter activities, expanding infrastructure, and warm local hospitality, Harbin stands out as a premier destination in China's flourishing ice and snow economy.
Last winter, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists, marking a staggering 300 percent year-on-year increase, while tourism revenue skyrocketed by 500 percent to 124.8 billion yuan ($17.3 billion).
This year, the demand for winter leisure travel remains robust. According to Chinese travel platform Qunar, hotel bookings for the Spring Festival have surged by 76 percent compared to last year. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, coupled with the introduction of new winter-themed travel options, has further amplified the city's allure.
New Travel Experiences Drive Demand
To cater to the growing influx of tourists, Harbin has introduced several innovative winter-themed train routes, 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 southern regions.
Another exciting addition is the K5197 ice and snow travel photography train. This train features specially designed cabins equipped with studio photoshoot services, a concept that has gained particular popularity 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,\" shared 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
