Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, has become the epicenter of winter tourism with the launch of the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park. Opened last December, the 27th edition of Harbin Ice and Snow World features cutting-edge technology and cultural storytelling under its 2026 theme: "A Fairytale World of Ice and Snow."
This year’s park spans a record-breaking area, showcasing illuminated ice sculptures, a 500-meter super ice slide, and Asia’s first snowflake-shaped Ferris wheel. Nightly multimedia performances blend traditional folklore with laser projections, attracting over 100,000 daily visitors since its debut.
Local authorities report a 40% increase in international travelers compared to previous winter seasons, with direct flights added from Seoul, Tokyo, and Moscow. The development aligns with China’s broader strategy to boost cold-weather economies, generating $280 million in regional tourism revenue during its first three weeks.
For business analysts, the park’s success highlights growing opportunities in experiential tourism infrastructure across Northeast Asia. Cultural scholars note its innovative integration of Manchu and Han artistic traditions into ice architecture.
