Tuesday, January 28, 2025 China’s Harbin, home to the world’s largest ice and snow festival, attracts millions of tourists with stunning sculptures and a booming winter economy. The frosty city of Harbin has earned its reputation as China’s premier destination for an enchanting winter adventure. Situated in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province of China, Harbin hosts the world’s largest ice and snow festival, captivating visitors with intricate ice sculptures spread across the city and an array of exhilarating winter activities.
Last year’s Spring Festival drew an impressive 10 million visitors to the region, reflecting a staggering 80% surge compared to the previous year. This winter, tourists are once again flocking to Harbin’s frozen paradise, where temperatures can plunge to a bone-chilling minus 30 degrees Celsius. While the festival initially catered primarily to domestic tourists, it has now gained significant popularity among international travelers, thanks to China’s expanded mutual visa-free agreements with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Harbin’s thriving winter economy is set to smash records, with revenue projected to exceed 630 billion yuan (US$87 billion) this year alone. By 2030, the industry is expected to grow even further, reaching a monumental 1.5 trillion yuan.
Typically running from December to March, the festival’s duration heavily depends on weather conditions. However, rising temperatures have begun to pose cha.
