Have you ever thought that visiting a super cold destination could be interesting?
Many people like to go abroad in wintertime, because they want to experience snow. In many places, scenery during the winter season can be magically beautiful.
For those of you who like to explore a cold destination, try to visit Harbin, one of the top cold cities in the world! In this city, the temperature can drop as low as -30 degrees Celcius. Can you imagine that?
Harbin is a Manchu word which means a place for drying fish nets. It was a small rural area that has developed to become one of the largest cities in the northeastern region of China.
What makes this place interesting is because it boasts the world’s largest Ice and Snow Festival every year. The extreme temperature makes the place unique and one-of-a-kind for tourists!
What kind of things you can do in Harbin? tiket.com will let you know below:
What Activities You Can do in Harbin?
You can expect to see charming buildings with exotic architecture in Harbin. But… what other activities can you do there? We have made a list for you, t-mates.
1. The Ice and Snow Festival
Harbin International Ice Snow Sculpture Festival normally runs between January 5 to February 5. During this time, you can see spectacular ice sculptures with many forms around the city. The sculptures are made by professional sculptors from various countries.
The ice sculptures are colorfully lit at night. There are exquisite statues, such as statues of famous people or characters. When you come to the place, it feels like you’re inside a dreamlike theme park. Stroll around the place and see color illuminated ice and snow sculptures.
2. Visit Siberian Tiger Park
One of the most thrilling things you can do in Harbin is visiting Siberian Tiger Park. The place is situated on the northern side of Songhua River. Here, you can witness endangered Siberian tigers.
When you enter the park, you will be taken around inside a jeep or other type of cars fitted with iron bars for protection. Your journey is going to be thrilling because the tigers may jump on top of the cars!
There are now more than 800 Siberian tigers there, about 100 can be seen along the way. Basically, you can get a chance to see the tigers closely and appreciate various species and breeds there.
3. St. Sophia Cathedral
St. Sophia Cathedral is a must-visit destination when you’re in Harbin. It stands 53 meters tall and occupies an area of 721 square meters. It was built in 1907.
The church is so beautiful it looks like the Red Square in Moscow. The green domes are quite striking. Come inside and look at the amazing decoration of the cathedral. If you visit St. Sophia Cathedral, don’t forget to take a photograph.
4. Try Harbin Traditional Foods
In many areas, you can still feel the Russian influence in Harbin. That’s why it’s local food also has the Russian influence. Some authentic Russian food you can try there is Dalieba (a kind of Russian bread), Hongchang (Harbin Smoked Sausage).
Other unique food to try are Madieer popsicles (ice lolly) at Zhongyang street. Zhongyang street is a popular European-style pedestrian street. Two centralized dining places in Harbin are Zhongyang street and Huanghe Road.
5. Buy Local Souvenirs
In Harbin, you can find imported Russian goods of all types from chocolate, keychain to vodka. Other popular souvenirs from Harbin are Russian nested doll and candy stuffed with wine. There are some locations where you can shop when you’re in Harbin such as in Underground Shopping Mall of Golden Street, Guogeli Dajie, Harbin No. 1 Department Store, Central Avenue and Zhongyi Department Store.
You can also buy products from Western brands such as Gucci, Brooks Borthers, Zegna to Timberland in the shopping malls.
What to Prepare before Coming to Harbin?
As you already know that Harbin is a very cold city. Sometimes, packing for winter season can be difficult because putting in many coats inside your luggage can be bulky and heavy. Make sure you only bring the important things inside your bag.
Things you need to bring when traveling to a cold place are a warm coat, a hat, winter socks, gloves, scarves, and layers of clothes.
How to go to Harbin?
You can go reach Harbin by train or plan. The distance is about two hours by flight, and 8 hours by bullet train from Beijing. Basically, Harbin is easily accessible and connected by train from major cities in China. Most of the train going to Harbin are overnight trains that leaves in the afternoon and arrive in the next morning.
In the city, the transportation is well developed. You can go to nearly all parts of the city by using a bus. The buses pass several tourist spots in the city center. Inside the city, you can go by using taxis.
Ready to Explore Harbin?
See.. there are many activities that you can do in Harbin, right? Now, it is time to plan for a holiday to Harbin with your loved ones! Book your flight now through tiket.com! You can also search for accommodations there via tiket.com.
Through tiket.com, you can also buy tickets anywhere around the world! There are many countries you should explore such as Japan, Korea, Singapore. Take a break and explore the world more!
