The Best of Northern China: Harbin

Here's a guide to Harbin Ice and Snow World to help you have the perfect winter trip: Preparation - Clothing: Wear thermal underwear, a sweater, a down vest, and a long down coat on your upper body. Wear quick-dry clothes and thermal pants on your lower body, and waterproof ski pants on top. Wear wool socks (bring two pairs) and snow boots or hiking boots (one or two sizes larger than usual). Wear a thick cotton hat or Lei Feng hat, a thick mask, and a warm scarf. Wear cotton gloves with touch screen capability, and leather waterproof gloves with a strap on top. - Other items: Bring hand warmers, a thermos, sunglasses, a power bank, and moisturizing products such as face masks and lip balm. Tickets and Transportation - Tickets: Follow the "Harbin Ice and Snow World" WeChat account to buy tickets up to 7 days in advance. You can also buy tickets on online platforms or at the ticket office. Standard tickets are CNY 328 per person, student and child tickets are CNY 240 per person, and VIP tickets are CNY 800 per person. - Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Ice and Snow World Station and exit from Exit 3 or 4. You can also take Bus 42, 47, or other buses to Ice and Snow World Station. If you're driving, navigate to "Harbin Ice and Snow World" and park in the B2–B5 or C2 parking lot. If you're taking a taxi, navigate to "Ice and Snow World Ticket Gate." Attractions - Super Ice Slide: A 500-meter slide with 24 lanes. Book in advance on WeChat. - Snowflake Ferris Wheel: 120 meters high with 48 air-conditioned cabins and various themes. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the park. - Ice and Snow Show: Shows include "Harbin Ice Show" and "Longjiang Ice Show." The "Harbin Ice Show" invites excellent ice and snow artists from around the world for a spectacular performance. - Ice and Snow Disco: The "Down Jacket Snow Party" at the Dream Stage. "Zuo You Ge" leads the crowd in a dance, creating a lively atmosphere. Itinerary - Morning: Arrive before 10 am. Start with the big slide, then the Ferris wheel, then the ice sculptures and ice lanterns. Watch the ice and snow show at 2 pm, then enjoy the ice sculptures and ice lanterns after 4 pm. - Afternoon: Arrive between 1 pm and 3 pm. Start with the ice sculptures and photos, then line up for the ice and snow show, then the Ferris wheel, then the big slide. If there are too many people, try the snow tube. Photography Guide - Best time: Around 12 pm is best for capturing the details of the ice sculptures. Around 3 pm is best for capturing the sunset and ice sculptures. After 4 pm is best for capturing the night view. - Best spots: Take a panoramic photo with the Ice and Snow Crown Tower in the background. Take a photo of the park from the castle viewing platform. Take a photo of the French architecture from the Friendship Bridge in the Fairy Tale Kingdom.