As snowflakes blanket the city, Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is bustling with tourists eager to embrace its winter wonders. Known as the \"Ice City,\" Harbin has become a magnet for visitors seeking unique snow and ice experiences, bolstering China's burgeoning ice and snow economy.
Last winter, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists, a staggering 300 percent increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue soared by 500 percent, reaching 124.8 billion yuan ($17.3 billion). This remarkable growth reflects the city's successful efforts to diversify winter activities, expand infrastructure, and showcase local hospitality.
With the Spring Festival approaching, demand for winter leisure travel remains robust. Hotel bookings have surged by 76 percent compared to last year, according to Chinese travel platform Qunar. The anticipation of the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games and the introduction of new winter-themed travel options have further heightened the city's allure.
Innovative Travel Experiences Ignite Enthusiasm
To cater to the growing number of tourists, Harbin has introduced new winter-themed train routes, enhancing accessibility and offering memorable journeys. The K974 ice and snow-themed train, launched by China Railway Nanchang Group, now connects the southern city of Xiamen with Harbin, making the enchanting northern winter accessible to more travelers.
Another innovative addition is the K5197 ice and snow travel photography train. This unique service features specially designed cabins providing studio photo shoots, a concept that has gained popularity, especially among elderly travelers. Jin Yue, a 72-year-old visitor from Liaoning Province, shared her excitement: \"I came here to experience this tourist train and the travel photography service, and it has been a wonderful surprise,\" she told China Media Group (CMG).
These novel travel experiences not only enrich tourists' journeys but also contribute to the local economy by creating new opportunities in the tourism sector. As Harbin continues to innovate and upgrade its services, the city solidifies its position as a premier winter destination in Asia.
With its enchanting ice sculptures, vibrant festivals, and a warm welcome amidst the cold, Harbin invites the world to explore its winter magic, promising unforgettable memories for travelers from all walks of life.
Reference(s):
Harbin's winter tourism booms with new experiences, upgraded services
cgtn.com
