Harbin’s Ice and Snow World, a crown jewel of winter tourism in the Chinese mainland, has once again transformed Heilongjiang’s capital into a luminous wonderland this February. Drawing millions since its December 2025 opening, the festival’s 2026 edition features towering ice palaces carved from the Songhua River’s frozen waters, illuminated by cutting-edge LED projections that blend folklore with futuristic artistry.
This year’s installations include a 40-meter ice slide, a snowflake-themed Ferris wheel, and nightly performances showcasing Uygur and Han cultural traditions. With temperatures hovering near -25°C, the park’s heated pavilions and hot beverage stations ensure comfort for visitors from over 30 countries and regions.
Local authorities report a 22% increase in overseas tourists compared to 2025, attributing the surge to relaxed visa policies and direct flights from APEC member nations. The festival’s economic impact is equally frost-defying: over 50,000 temporary jobs created and $380 million in regional revenue generated ahead of the Spring Festival.
"This isn’t just about ice sculptures," says Harbin Tourism Bureau Director Li Wei. "We’re preserving northern China’s winter heritage while innovating sustainable tourism models." Environmental initiatives, including solar-powered lighting and ice-block recycling systems, underscore the event’s green credentials.
