Harbin Itinerary: How to spend 3 days in Harbin to participate in the Ice and Snow Festival

September 25, 2025

Going to Harbin in winter, you cannot miss the splendid ice and snow festival with many unique check-in spots. So, what to do in Harbin for 3 days? With only 3 days in Harbin, you can still enjoy the scenery and experience the cuisine to make your trip more complete. Now, let’s check out our suggested Harbin itinerary 3 days in detailed below!

Harbin China in winter | 3-Day Itinerary to Visit the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin

Harbin in winter is like a movie made entirely from ice and snow: there are ancient cathedrals covered in white, there are ice castles glowing brightly at night, there is laughter from the snack stalls on the old streets.

Without too much time, with only 3 days, you can fully experience the typical atmosphere of the “ice city”. From wandering on Zhongyang Street, biting into a hot red sausage, to standing still to watch the magical Ice and Snow World – all will turn the short trip into an unforgettable memory.

Harbin city location on the China map | source: britannica.com

3 days in Harbin — Day 1: Arrive in Harbin – Start with Lantern Street

Morning – Journey to Ice City

[Anniversary Sale] 5-Day Tour of Yabuli and Snow Town, Harbin, Northeast China

Depending on the flight or train time, the morning is usually spent traveling to Harbin. The plane lands at Taiping International Airport, you will see the whole city covered in a layer of white snow. After completing immigration procedures, move to the hotel and leave your luggage.

source: reneewheretonext.com | 3 days in harbin

If you have time, you can take a walk around the area near the hotel, get used to the pace of life and enjoy a light lunch – suggested hot noodles or a portion of guobaorou (crispy sweet and sour pork) to recharge your energy.

Noon & Afternoon – Get in the First Cold

One-Day Tour in Harbin, Northeast China

As soon as you arrive in Harbin, you will immediately feel the chilly air rushing into your every breath. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to rest, sip a cup of hot tea to let your body get used to the weather.

Evening – Stroll Zhaolin Park to Watch the Ice Lantern Festival

At night, the ice city takes on a sparkling appearance. Zhaolin Park is the perfect place to start: hundreds of intricately carved ice lanterns, glowing brightly against the white snow. You can leisurely stroll, take some “magical” photos or simply watch the light reflect through the transparent ice. The atmosphere here is bustling but still retains its poetic quality, opening up a journey filled with winter colors.

Ice city at night | source: chinaservicesinfo.com | 3 days in harbin

5-Day 4-Night Private Tour to Harbin, Northeast China

Eating Tips

On the first day in Harbin, you should choose hot dishes to enjoy and warm your body. A plate of steaming Northeast dumplings, a pot of flavorful meat and vegetable stew or a bowl of red Russian borscht will be a perfect dinner. If you want to try the “local flavor” right away, don’t forget to order Harbin red sausage and a cold beer – a simple but authentic Northeast combo.

Harbin beer. source: icefestivalharbin.com | 3 days in harbin

Harbin itinerary — Day 2: Explore the City – Immerse Yourself in the Ice and Snow World of Harbin

Morning – Stroll through Central Street & St. Sophia Cathedral

Harbin’s central street features fusion of architectural styles | source: cgtn.com

Start your day at St. Sophia Cathedral, a Byzantine architectural masterpiece in the heart of Harbin. The church’s emerald green domes, red brick walls and white snow create a fairytale-like scene.

West facade of Saint Sophia Cathedral | source: wikimedia.com

Snow cover Saint Sophia Cathedral | source: reddit.com

Aerial view of Harbin city | source: kayak.com | 3 days in harbin

Harbin, Northeast China: One-Day Essential Tour

After your visit, take a walk to Zhongyang Street – the city’s busiest street. Here, you can admire the Russian-style houses, visit bakeries, buy a giant Dalieba or try Madier ice cream – the “colder the better” dish.

Central street | source: Wikipedia | harbin itinerary

Bustling Zhongyang Street scene in Harbin | source: vecteezy.com | harbin itinerary

Houses in Chinese style | source: timetomosey.com | harbin itinerary

Afternoon – Snow Art on Sun Island & Siberian Tiger Park

Continue your journey to Sun Island to admire the International Snow Sculpture Exhibition. The giant snow statues are meticulously carved, some up to tens of meters high, enough to amaze you.

source: https://jaxstumpes.blogspot.com/ | harbin itinerary

From Sun Island, you can visit the Siberian Tiger Park, home to rare tigers. Sitting on a special vehicle running through the natural breeding area, you will see with your own eyes the giant tigers walking majestically on the white snow.

Evening – Lost in Ice and Snow World

When night falls, it is time for you to step into Ice and Snow World – the world-famous ice paradise. A series of giant ice castles shine brightly, combined with colorful lights, creating a magical scene. You can participate in ice skating, ice sledding or simply stroll, enjoying the brilliant space like in a fairy tale world. This is an indispensable highlight in a winter trip to Harbin.

Ice city at night | source: chinaservicesinfo.com | harbin itinerary

Harbin Unit 731 Museum & Siberian Tiger Park One Day Private Tour

What to Eat on Day Two in Harbin

Breakfast/Lunch: Try Northeast dumplings or guobaorou (crispy sweet and sour pork) at local restaurants around Zhongyang Street.
Dinner: Enjoy Russian-style pastries with hot tea to keep warm.
Dinner: After having fun at Ice and Snow World, choose a hot pot or stew of meat and vegetables to warm your stomach. If you want to be truly local, order red sausage and Harbin beer.

source: icefestivalharbin.com | harbin itinerary

Day 3: Unique Winter Experience – Closing the Harbin Travel Itinerary

Morning – Watch Swimming on Songhua River

Northeast Harbin One-Day Tour

Start your last day with a unique experience: watching winter swimming on the Songhua River. Despite the temperature being minus tens of degrees outside, local “athletes” still plunge into the icy water, creating a scene that is both thrilling and admirable. This is one of the cultural features that makes visitors remember Harbin forever – a city that lives in harmony with ice and snow.

Afternoon – A Little Journey Through History

Heilongjiang Provincial Museum | harbin itinerary

Visit the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Northeast. The building has ancient European architecture, and inside there are many artifacts, giving you a different perspective on the city famous for its ice lanterns and festivals. After the tour, take time for a hearty lunch: stir-fried disanxian (three-element vegetable) with a rich flavor, served with hot rice or a pot of Northeastern-style stew is the perfect suggestion.

[Anniversary Mega Sale] 2-Day Tour to Yabuli Ski Resort and Snow Town, Harbin, Northeast China

Afternoon – Snacks in Lao Daowai & Buy Souvenirs

Houses in Chinese style | source: timetomosey.com

Before leaving Harbin, take a stroll around Lao Daowai Old Street. The snow-covered alleys, ancient red brick houses and the smell of grilled food from street stalls will bring you into a vivid picture. This is a snack paradise: from crispy grilled cold noodles, golden fried dumplings, to spicy grilled meat skewers. At the end of the day, don’t forget to stop by Qiulin Department Store to buy famous sausages, Russian sweets or chocolate as souvenirs!

What to Eat Before Leaving the Ice City?

A light but flavorful dinner will be the way to end the journey. You can choose a local restaurant, order hot dumplings, add some pan-fried bacon and a cup of hot tea. It’s simple, but that’s the “last taste” you bring with you when leaving Harbin – both familiar and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions About 3-Day Harbin Itinerary

How Much Does a 3-Day Harbin Trip Cost?

The average cost is about 8–12 million VND/person, including domestic airfare within China, 3-night hotel stay, ice and snow festival tickets and meals. If you choose a package tour, it will range from 12–15 million VND/person.

When Does the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Take Place?

The festival usually opens from the end of December and lasts until the end of February, and some years it lasts until early March depending on the weather. The best time to visit is January, when the ice and snow structures are most sparkling.

What Do You Need to Prepare for a Winter Harbin Trip?

Warm down jacket, thick pants, gloves, woolen hat, scarf, anti-slip boots.
Heat-retaining patches, lip balm and anti-chapping cream.
Camera/phone with spare battery, because cold weather can easily drain the battery quickly.

What to eat in Harbin in 3 days?

Must-try dishes include: Northeast dumplings, red sausage, crispy sweet and sour pork (guobaorou), three-fairy vegetables (disanxian), Dalieba bread, Madier ice cream and Harbin beer. In the evening, you can walk around Lao Daowai Street to enjoy street snacks.

Kids playing on the street | source: landcruisingadventure.com

Can you travel to Harbin on your own for 3 days?

Absolutely. You can book your own flight, hotel and buy tickets to the festival areas on the spot. However, if you want to save time on travel and language, a package tour will be more convenient, especially during the peak season of the ice and snow festival.

If you have ever dreamed of setting foot in a city where ice and snow become art, then Harbin is the ideal destination. In just 3 days in Harbin, you can visit, experience, and let your taste buds speak. Don’t hesitate, plan now – so that this winter you can live in a fairy tale in the heart of Harbin.