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How to get to Harbin: 2026 Guide
By Tina
May 21, 2026
Dreaming of exploring Harbin and its legendary International Ice and Snow Festival? This city in northeast China, the capital of Heilongjiang, attracts millions of visitors every winter who are left spellbound by its monumental ice sculptures.
But how do you get there from the UK? Trip.com reveals all the options: connecting flights from London, connections via the hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, and most importantly, how to easily reach the unmissable Ice and Snow Festival once you arrive!
How to Get to Harbin from the UK ✈️
How to get to Harbin from the UK?
Bad news for those of you in a hurry: no airlines currently offer direct flights between London and Harbin (or any other UK city). That’s right—the 8,200 km distance between the two cities means you’ll always need at least one stopover!
The main airlines flying this route include China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air China. These carriers typically offer stopovers in their respective hubs: Beijing, Shanghai, or sometimes Guangzhou (we’ll tell you more about that just below).
Connecting flights: fares and duration
Generally speaking, the total journey time is between 13 and 19 hours, depending on the length of your connection. Flights with a short 2 to 3-hour stopover in Beijing or Shanghai remain the fastest options.
As for the cost, you can expect to pay around £549 return in April, though prices can soar during the peak winter month of March when the ice festival is in full swing.
📌 Trip.com Top Tip: Book your tickets at least 3 months in advance to snag the best deals, especially if you're travelling between December and February for the festival. We recommend allowing for a layover of at least 2 hours 30 minutes to give yourself plenty of time for security checks and terminal transfers if needed.
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How to Get to Harbin from Beijing 🚄
Beijing is the main hub for reaching Harbin from international destinations. You have two great options: catch a flight or take the high-speed train, which allows you to discover the stunning landscapes of Northeast China.
Option 1: Flying from Beijing (the fastest way)
Flights from Beijing to Harbin are frequent and plentiful, with departures from both of the capital's airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the new Daxing Airport (PKX).
Here’s everything you need to know:
- ✈️ Flight time: just 2h 30m
- 📅 Frequency: more than ten direct flights every day
- 💰 Prices: starting from around £60 one way
- 🏆 Our recommended airline: China Southern Airlines (excellent punctuality)
Option 2: High-speed train (the authentic experience)
For those who prefer travelling overland and discovering the landscapes of Northeast China, the high-speed train is a fantastic alternative.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- 🚄 Journey time: 4h 33m for the fastest trains (G901, G905, G909)
- 📅 Frequency: 17 daily trains from Beijing to Harbin, and 18 in the opposite direction
- ⏰ Timings: departures from Beijing are between 08:00 and 16:05
- 💰 Fares: 513-602 CNY (approx. £55–£65) for second class
- 🚄 Departure stations from Beijing to Harbin: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station.
- 🚄 Your Harbin adventure begins at one of two main train stations! Trains will whisk you away to either Harbin Railway Station (the central hub) or Harbin West Railway Station. Just a heads-up, Harbin West is a touch further out from the bustling city centre.
Best Way to Get to Harbin from Beijing: Plane vs Train
Criteria | Flights ✈️ | High-speed train 🚄 |
Duration | A 2.5-hour flight | 4h 33m (high-speed trains) |
Price | From £40 (one way) | £63 (second class) |
Comfort | Limited space, restricted luggage | Plenty of room to move and panoramic views |
Arrival | Taiping Airport (40 km from the city centre) | Central or West Station (right in the city centre) |
Flexibility | More than 10 flights a day | 17 trains per day |
Experience | Fast and efficient | Authentic Countryside Charm |
📌 Trip.com Top Tip: If you have some time to spare and want to enjoy an authentic local experience, opt for the train! You'll have fewer luggage restrictions, the freedom to move around, and views of the Chinese countryside, arriving right in the city centre without the hassle of airport transfers.
How to Get to Harbin from Shanghai 🌆
Shanghai, another major international hub, also offers connections to Harbin, although there are fewer options than when departing from Beijing.
Option 1: Flying from Shanghai (recommended if you're short on time)
Flights from Shanghai to Harbin mainly depart from Pudong International Airport (PVG). The distance between these two cities is 1,048 miles.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- ✈️ Flight time: around 3 hours for a direct flight
- 📅 Frequency: 8 airlines operate this route with daily flights
- 💰 Prices: vary depending on the season (more expensive in winter during the festival)
- ⚡ When should you fly? If you're short on time, it's clearly the best option.
Option 2: High-speed train (for patient travellers)
For travellers with plenty of time who want to enjoy an authentic experience, the train is a fantastic alternative, even if the journey is much longer.
High-speed train:
- 🚄 Journey time: 12 hours and 5 minutes
- ⏰ The schedule: Depart from Shanghai Hongqiao at 09:33, arriving at Harbin West at 21:38
- 💰 Fares: £113 for second class, £189 for first class
- 📅 Frequency: Just one direct train a day
Classic night train (the budget option):
- 🌙 Duration: 24h 03m (departure 19:34, arrival the next day 19:37)
- 💰 Prices:
- Seat: ~£29
- Standard sleeper:~ £53
- Premium sleeper: ~£83
- ✅ The benefit: save on a night's hotel stay!
Best Way to Get to Harbin from Shanghai: Plane vs Train
Criteria | Flights ✈️ | High-speed train 🚄 | Night train 🌙 |
Duration | 3-hour flight | 12:12 | 24 hours and 3 minutes |
Price | Variable (expensive in winter) | £113-£189 | £29-£83 |
Comfort | Standard | Incredibly comfortable | Depends on the class |
When's the perfect time to choose? | If you're short on time | If you love travelling by day | If you're on a budget |
📌 Trip.com Tip: If you're opting for the high-speed train, be sure to pack some snacks, a neck pillow, and a power bank to see you through the 12-hour journey. For the return leg, why not consider flying to save yourself some time?
How to Get to Harbin Ice and Snow World from Airport ❄️
Once you've arrived at Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB), there are several ways to reach the famous China Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, the main site of the ice festival.
Festival location and distance
Harbin Ice and Snow World is located on the north bank of the Songhua River in the Songbei District, roughly 40 km from Taiping Airport. The journey usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes by car, so you'll be there in no time!
Option 1: Airport shuttle bus line 4 (the most budget-friendly 💰)
The most budget-friendly option is to hop on the Airport Bus No. 4 shuttle, which takes you directly to Ice and Snow World.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- 🚌 The route: Airport → Chilun Road → Qunli → Highway Bridge → Ice and Snow World → Harbin North Railway Station
- ⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 am to 12:30 am
- 📅 Frequency: roughly every hour
- 💰 Price: 20 CNY (£2.20) per person
- ⏱️ Duration: about 1 hour
- 📍 Starting point: Terminal 1, first floor, Gate 5
📌 Trip.com Tip: Look out for the "Airport Bus" signs as you exit the terminal. It’s the most budget-friendly option if you’re travelling solo and aren’t in a rush!
Option 2: Taxi or private car (the most comfortable option 🚗)
For extra comfort and speed, a taxi is a convenient option, especially if you're travelling in a group or with bulky luggage.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- ⏱️ Journey time: 27-40 minutes, depending on traffic
- 💰 Taxi fare: between 120 and 150 CNY (£13-£16)
- 🚙 Private car with driver: 290-400 CNY (£31–£43)
📌 Trip.com Tip: Have the address for Ice and Snow World written in Chinese characters (哈尔滨冰雪大世界) ready to show your driver. Most taxis now accept payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay!
Option 3: Hire a car
If you're comfortable driving in China and have a valid international driving permit, you can hire a car at the airport.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- 📏 Distance: 38.1 km
- 💰 Estimated cost: 35-51 CNY (£3.80–£5.50) for petrol and tolls
- ⏱️ Journey time: 27 minutes under normal conditions
⚠️ Please note: this option isn't recommended for first-time visitors who aren't familiar with Chinese traffic rules and Harbin's sometimes challenging winter conditions (snow and ice).
Harbin Airport to Ice and Snow World: Your Essential Recap
Transport | Duration | Price | Perks | Drawbacks |
Shuttle bus line 4 🚌 | 1h | £2 | Great value, direct | Slower, with fixed timetables |
Taxi 🚕 | Just 27-40 minutes | £13–16 | Fast and comfortable | More expensive if you're travelling solo |
Private car 🚙 | Just 27-40 minutes | £32–44 | Enjoy supreme comfort, with a friendly English-speaking driver. | For the Ultimate Indulgence |
Car hire 🚗 | 27 mins | £4–6 | Complete freedom | Challenging winter driving conditions |
Explore the must-see sights of Harbin
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![Harbin, Heilongjiang "Hongmen royal banquet" panoramic immersive themed imperial banquet [savor imperial delicacies + enjoy classical performances + explore ancient-style streets]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351z12000se6kav64EF1_C_568_320.jpg)
How to Get to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival from City Centre 🏙️
If you're staying in central Harbin, there are several easy ways to reach the Ice and Snow World.
Option 1: Metro Line 2 (recommended 🚇)
The metro is the most convenient way to beat the traffic jams that are common during festival season.
The essentials:
- 🚇 Line: Line 2, "Ice and Snow World" station
- 💰 Fare: 3-5 CNY (£0.30-0.55) depending on the distance
- ⏰ Opening hours: until around 10 pm
- 📍 The best part: the station is right at the park entrance!
⚠️ Just a heads-up: the metro doesn't reach every corner of Harbin. Be sure to check if your hotel is located on an accessible line. If not, you can always combine the metro and bus, or simply opt for a taxi.
Option 2: Public buses (the budget-friendly option 🚌)
Plenty of bus routes serve Ice and Snow World from various locations across the city.
The essentials:
- 🚌 Main bus routes: 29, 42, 43, 47, 80, 88, 118, 119, 125, 126, 127, 211, 212, 213, 215, 216, 219, 223, 225, 226, 336, 346, 551, 552
- 📍 From Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie): Lines 88, 118 or 336
- ⏱️ Journey time: 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic
- 📅 Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
- 💰 Price: 2 CNY (£0.20)
- ⏰ Timetables: Most buses run until 9 pm
Option 3: Taxi or private car (the most convenient option in the evening 🚗)
To avoid any hassle with public transport, especially in the evening, many visitors opt for a taxi.
The essentials:
- 📏 Distance from Central Street: about 15 km
- ⏱️ Journey time: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
- 💰 Estimated fare: 40-60 CNY (£4.30–£6.50)
📌 Trip.com Top Tip: If you’re planning to stay out late to admire the illuminated ice sculptures, be sure to book a taxi or private car in advance. With buses stopping around 9 pm and the metro finishing at 10 pm, you might find yourself stranded if you rely on public transport!
City Centre to Ice and Snow World: Summary Table
Transport | Duration | Price | When's the perfect time to choose? |
Metro Line 2 🚇 | Variable | £0.35–£0.57 | If your hotel is on the line, it's ideal for getting around during the day. |
Public buses 🚌 | 30-45 min | £0.23 | The most budget-friendly option |
Taxi 🚕 | Just 20-30 minutes | £4.35–£6.96 | Ideal for getting back late at night, or if you're travelling in a group. |
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
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Best Hotels in Harbin
5 star
Good5454 Reviews
Central Avenue.St. Sofia Church. the Songhua River Harbin|3.67km from city centre
Every time I'm in Harbin, I have to stay at the Shangri-La with a river view! Besides the convenient location for the airport, high-speed train station, and downtown, it meets all the criteria of a clean, comfortable, luxurious, and old-money establishment with impeccable service. It feels incredibly familiar, relaxing, and enjoyable to stay here.FromVND 2,058,636
Good4333 Reviews
Central Avenue.St. Sofia Church. the Songhua River Harbin|2.8km from city centre
This hotel is located in the Central Street business district, making it convenient for shopping. It has five floors, but the building is quite old, and in my opinion, it doesn't quite meet a five-diamond standard.
First, the pros: The rooms in Block A are spacious and well-renovated. The hotel was proactive in addressing issues, and the service attitude was good. The location is convenient, being just over 500 meters from Central Street and the Songhua River, so it's not too far. Taxis are readily available, and there are plenty of dining options nearby.
Now for the cons: The cleanliness wasn't great; I found hair in the corners of the floor after checking in. The facilities also weren't up to par; for example, the hairdryer was broken, and each room seemed to have a different brand of hairdryer. The electric kettle was hot to the touch, and the hot water temperature for showering during the day wasn't high. The restaurant had limited variety, and the food quality was average. There's basically no view from the window.
Finally, a major complaint: If you've booked a room in Block B, I'd recommend not staying there. The room decor is cheap, and the view from the window is terrible, mostly power lines. Block B is separated from Block A by a central garden, and the breakfast restaurant is in Block A.
Overall, I was satisfied with the hotel and Trip.com's service, as issues were actively coordinated and resolved immediately. However, I was quite dissatisfied with the hotel stay itself. I booked based on Trip.com's five-diamond rating, choosing to trust the platform, but the actual experience was significantly different from a five-diamond standard. I suggest the platform strictly vet hotels to prevent inflated reviews from affecting ratings and misleading consumers. This is a genuine stay and an objective review, hoping to help other consumers and encourage the hotel to improve its hardware facilities and operate based on real quality.FromVND 1,499,309
Outstanding3109 Reviews
Harbin Railway Station/Harbin Muesum Business Circle Harbin|1.34km from city centre
The hotel was just mediocre. The lobby, though, was quite luxurious and beautiful; at first glance, it seemed a bit upscale. But the actual experience was really just average. The concierge staff (a few older gentlemen) never greeted me (even after staying 5 nights and going in and out dozens of times), but I guess you can't expect too much from an independent domestic brand hotel. What was even funnier was the front desk. I handed him my ID, he typed a few things on the computer, then mysteriously leaned in and whispered that he had upgraded me. I even thanked him, but when I opened the door and walked in, I realized it was just the room type I had originally booked. It even looked smaller than the area described on Trip.com, and the sofa was awkwardly placed diagonally in the corner, making it inconvenient to move around. It's truly laughable; I didn't expect an upgrade, nor did I even ask for one. I never beg for things at the front desk during check-in, so there's no need to mislead people, okay?
The second funny point was the strong smell of smoke in the room, especially in the bathroom. The moment I walked in, I smelled a strong smoke odor. But I was so tired from an early flight that day and just wanted to quickly wash up and rest. When I entered the bathroom, the smoke smell was even stronger, making me feel nauseous. At this point, I was just cursing the smokers who insist on lighting up in hotel rooms. But after I finished washing up, I saw a box of matches on the coffee table. Haha, speechless. Even more ridiculous, there was a 'No Smoking' sign on the bedside table. People who hate smoke should definitely avoid booking this hotel.
Oh, and the so-called afternoon tea consisted of very cheap pastries, small tomatoes, and apricots of varying sizes and textures, some soft, some hard. Yes, the kind of 'Western pastries' you'd find at a 68-yuan buffet, utterly disgusting. The only drink was a pot of 'hot tea' that was so diluted I couldn't even tell what kind of tea it was. This 'afternoon tea' was simply pathetic; they might as well have given me two bananas. I left after 5 minutes on the first afternoon. The remaining 4 vouchers went straight into the trash.
I didn't give the lowest rating because the cleaning lady had a very good attitude; otherwise, it would definitely have been a one-star rating.FromVND 1,114,771
Excellent7992 Reviews
Central Avenue.St. Sofia Church. the Songhua River Harbin|2.42km from city centre
I chose the Grand Mansion 1903 for my trip to Harbin this time, and it exceeded my expectations. The hotel is right next to Central Street, making it incredibly convenient for shopping and dining. St. Sophia Cathedral is also within walking distance. The location truly is a major advantage.
The building itself is a century-old Western-style mansion. The crystal chandeliers in the lobby, the carved staircase, and the oil paintings on the walls create a wonderful atmosphere. The most unique feature is the century-old elevator that's still in use; riding it gives you a real sense of history, an experience you won't find in other hotels.
The room was meticulously clean. While it looked vintage, it was equipped with modern amenities like a smart toilet, humidifier, and capsule coffee machine. The bedding was comfortable, and I had a great rest after a long day of exploring.
The service left a deep impression. I was offered a hot drink upon check-in, my luggage was delivered to my room, and I received a welcome fruit platter. They even gave me a small souvenir upon check-out, which was a thoughtful touch. You can also try on Russian-style costumes for free and take great photos right inside the hotel, no need to specially look for scenic spots outside.
The breakfast offered a wide variety, including local specialties and Russian dishes. If you're looking for a unique experience in Harbin, this place is highly recommended. It's not just a trendy photo op; it's genuinely comfortable. I would definitely consider staying here again on my next visit.FromVND 1,825,583
Outstanding6116 Reviews
Dragon Tower/International Exhibition Center Harbin|3.51km from city centre
The hotel is spotless and tidy. Their breakfast buffet is reliably good, offering a mix of Western and Chinese options, including freshly ground coffee, Western pastries, as well as local specialties like Harbin red sausage and various congees. Ingredients are fresh, and dishes are replenished promptly. The dining area is kept at a comfortable temperature with air conditioning, making for a clean and pleasant dining experience. All staff members are highly professional. The front desk patiently helped us plan our sightseeing routes, and the lobby staff were polite and friendly. All our requests were handled promptly, and their service was just right – enthusiastic without being overly formal, and very attentive. I would definitely prioritize staying here again on my next visit to Harbin. Five stars, highly recommended!FromVND 1,580,877
Family friendly
Excellent1921 Reviews
Jiangbei Sun Island. City Hall Area Harbin|9.72km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, making it super convenient to get around, as it's close to both attractions and shopping areas. The bedding is incredibly comfortable – definitely lives up to the Atour Planet series! The soundproofing is great, so I slept very soundly. The bathroom had plenty of hot water. The front desk staff were very welcoming and processed my check-in quickly with a great attitude. The breakfast offered a wide variety of options, both Chinese and Western, and it tasted really good! The restaurant staff were also very friendly. Overall, it's great value for money and a fantastic stay. I'll definitely choose this place again on my next visit.FromVND 804,033
Outstanding5294 Reviews
Harbin Railway Station/Harbin Muesum Business Circle Harbin|0.25km from city centre
After an unpleasant experience at my previous hotel, I was really touched by the enthusiastic staff here. They showed me a room and then helped me compare it with another family room, recommending the cheaper and more value-for-money triple family room. The hotel's breakfast is definitely the highlight; the variety is absolutely amazing! It's a fantastic blend of Chinese and Western options, catering to different dietary habits from both northern and southern regions. Staples like noodles, steamed buns, corn, pumpkin, and rice are all available. Western breakfast items like desserts, waffles, small cakes, and bread are also plentiful. Even staying for two days, the selection changed, and the juices, coffee, milk, and soy milk (original, grain) were all so complete! A wonderful Harbin trip starts with a delightful breakfast!FromVND 1,604,183
Very Good657 Reviews
Jiangbei Sun Island. City Hall Area Harbin|12.38km from city centre
Traveling with my child, I initially booked a king-sized bed. Upon arrival, I saw they had family rooms, so I paid the difference to upgrade. This room is truly spacious, easily 30-40 sqm! It's very well-equipped with a mini-fridge and a humidifier. The bathroom has a separate wet and dry area with a double vanity, which is super thoughtful – no more rushing to get ready when there are multiple people in the morning! The room price was also very reasonable. The room temperature was actually quite warm, and the staff were incredibly friendly, truly embodying that heartwarming Northeastern hospitality. It was really great!FromVND 528,254
Good1135 Reviews
Central Avenue.St. Sofia Church. the Songhua River Harbin|2.42km from city centre
The location is excellent, just a short walk to Central Avenue and not far from Saint Sophia Cathedral. However, there's no proper parking lot, only a narrow alley that can fit about 5 cars. When I arrived, the front desk insisted they had parking, saying it was first-come, first-served, but offered no help in finding a spot. They just told me to find paid parking myself. Can they really claim to have 'free parking' with service like that?FromVND 637,012
Very Good1123 Reviews
Harbin Railway Station/Harbin Muesum Business Circle Harbin|1.39km from city centre
This hotel is located right next to Harbin Railway Station, which is super convenient if you're taking the high-speed train. The rooms are clean, breakfast is good, and I noticed quite a few foreigners staying here as well. Overall, it's a good place!FromVND 1,262,371
Swimming pool
Outstanding948 Reviews
Jiangbei Sun Island. City Hall Area Harbin|10.18km from city centre
The room is clean. Fruits are delivered in the evening. It is very convenient to go shopping at MixC. It is close to the subway station. There is a large parking lot. The breakfast is rich in variety. The facilities are complete. The service is also great. 025 I will choose this place again when I come to Harbin for business.FromVND 959,402
Outstanding3445 Reviews
Jiangbei Sun Island. City Hall Area Harbin|8.36km from city centre
Exceeded expectations, highly recommended! Next time I come to Harbin, I'll definitely stay for more nights. Before arriving in Harbin, when booking a hotel, besides location and facilities, my main concern was whether there was a pool for kids. After much deliberation among several star-rated hotels, I finally chose Shangri-La Songbei. It turned out to be the absolute best decision of our Harbin-Yichun trip.
The most surprising thing? It has to be the hotel's window view! We gasped the moment we entered the room – it was simply stunning! How could there be such a large window, such a beautiful view of the Songhua River, and such a perfect hotel? This scene made us never want to leave the room; just quietly sitting by the window and enjoying the scenery was enough.
Next, let's talk about the hotel's service, which was also top-notch! We had an early flight back to Beijing on our departure day. We had booked a room with breakfast, but since we had to leave by 6 AM, we wouldn't be able to enjoy it. So, when checking in, I asked the front desk if there was a solution. The hotel offered a incredibly thoughtful plan: they prepared simple packed meals for us to take away. When we checked out, I saw three bags for the three of us, and each bag contained three packed containers with fruits, pastries, eggs, sausages, and more – it was so comprehensive! Who wouldn't love such a considerate hotel?
Finally, one more thing: there aren't many dining options near the hotel. There's only one dumpling restaurant across the road. We navigated there, walked around for a long time, and just as we were about to give up, we discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant nearby called 'Dufu Smoked & Sauced Dumpling Longjiang Cuisine.' I highly recommend this restaurant too! The dishes are diverse, delicious, and affordably priced. It's truly a treasure! I'm already planning to replicate this experience with Shangri-La Songbei and Dufu Restaurant on my next trip to Harbin – I'm so excited to plan my next Harbin itinerary just for them! 😘FromVND 2,097,478
Very Good3100 Reviews
Haxi Wanda/West Bus Station Business Cirlce Harbin|7.27km from city centre
I chose this five-star hotel for my trip and had an excellent experience. The lobby is luxuriously and elegantly decorated, creating a fantastic ambiance. The guest rooms are spacious and bright, with a well-thought-out layout, great natural light, and good views. The entire room was meticulously cleaned, the bathroom amenities were high-quality, and the bedding was soft and skin-friendly, ensuring a great night's sleep. The staff, including front desk, housekeeping, and concierge, were all warm, polite, and responsive, patiently answering any questions or requests. The breakfast offered a wide variety of dishes, fresh ingredients, and diverse flavors. The location is also very convenient, making it easy to get around for sightseeing, entertainment, and dining. Overall, it's impeccable, and I'll definitely be back!FromVND 1,845,004
Outstanding5008 Reviews
Jiangbei Sun Island. City Hall Area Harbin|11.46km from city centre
I had a unique memory of the 'Ice City' in early September while staying at Oulugoya. The hotel is located on the north bank of the Songhua River, offering a rare sense of tranquility and leisure, away from the hustle and bustle of Central Avenue in Daoli District. The room facilities were complete, the bedding was very comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent, making for a quiet stay. The 42nd-floor lobby bar and executive lounge offer a 270-degree panoramic view of the river and city, which was a major reason for choosing this hotel. It allowed me to avoid crowds and enjoy the northern sunset in solitude – every photo I took was incredibly therapeutic. The only minor drawbacks were the limited surrounding amenities, with most good restaurants being a 3-5 minute drive away. Also, every time I needed to go up or down, I had to go to the 42nd-floor lobby, and the card sensor for the elevator didn't always work perfectly. However, there was a girl named Shuqi outside the lounge who patiently explained things to guests with great attention to detail. During our conversation, she also introduced me to the hotel's brand philosophy and essence, which indeed aligns perfectly with my travel and vacation needs. Thanks for this time spent with Oulugoya. We'll meet again, just like mountains and rivers do. ^_^FromVND 2,147,973
Good374 Reviews
Dragon Tower/International Exhibition Center Harbin|3.75km from city centre
1. The location is super convenient, walking distance to the provincial hospital subway Wanda business district! Next door is the Longta room is clean and odorless, the bedding is soft and sleepy, the front desk service is warm and efficient, the check-in and check-out are smooth, the price is full, I will choose this next time ～
2. Full health details! The room was spotless, hot water was sufficient, WiFi was stable, the staff was on call, super intimate, quiet and not noisy, a great choice for a rest of the trip, highly recommended!
3. Exceeding expectations of stay experience! The facilities are new and complete, the decoration is simple and comfortable, the breakfast category is rich and delicious, the surrounding facilities are perfect, the service is professional and warm, and the treasure hotel is excellent value for money ～FromVND 675,854
Best Time to Visit Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 🎨
Planning a visit to the famous Ice and Snow Festival? Trip.com shares its top tips:
The best time to visit: arrive around 3 pm to enjoy the park in broad daylight, then stay to admire the illuminations as night falls (around 4.30 pm–5 pm in winter). This allows you to skip the morning crowds and experience the park in two completely different atmospheres.
Visit duration: allow 3 to 5 hours to comfortably explore Ice and Snow World.
Tickets: Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to skip the queues! Prices range from 240 to 328 CNY (around £26-£36) depending on the season. There is also a half-price ticket (valid from 9 am to midday) for those who simply want to explore the park during the day.
Essential gear: wrap up warm! Temperatures in Harbin can drop as low as -25°C in January. Make sure to pack:
- Multiple layers of clothing
- Thermal underwear
- Thick puffer jacket
- Gloves, beanie and scarf
- Waterproof and warm shoes with non-slip soles
Other festival sites: Ice and Snow World isn't the only spot to explore – be sure to check out these locations too:
- Sun Island for its giant snow sculptures (tickets: 198 CNY / £21.50)
- Zhaolin Park for the Ice Lantern Festival (free entry)
Whether you're flying from the UK with a stopover, transiting through Beijing or Shanghai, or simply planning your trip to the Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin is now far more accessible than it once was.
The expansion of high-speed rail and the growing number of direct flights from major Chinese hubs make reaching this unique winter destination easier than ever.
Start planning your trip on Trip.com today to enjoy the best deals on flights, trains, hotels and activities!
Have a great trip to Harbin! ❄️✨
FAQ - How to Get to Harbin❓
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Are there direct flights from the UK to Harbin?
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When’s the best time to visit Harbin for the Ice Festival?
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