Things to do in Harbin
Japan, Korea and Europe – these are the usual culprits which pop up when we’re searching for winter destinations. But while these places have colder climates, they also involve long flights and expensive tour packages.
Enter Harbin, a city in China where the temperatures dip below -30°C in winter. It’s a popular destination with the Chinese but remains mostly untouched by international tourism. Here’s a list of cool things we did there.
The exchange rate is S$1 = RMB5.35 as of 14th January 2025.
When is the best time to visit Harbin?
Harbin is best known for its winter activities which happen between December to February every year. Most people time their visit to align with the renowned Harbin Ice Festival, which kicks off on 5th January annually. The festival runs till late February or early March, when the sculptures start to melt.
You’ll find that sculptures look the best in early-mid January – however, that’s also the peak season for local tourism. We suggest visiting slightly after that if you wish to dodge the crowds. Most travellers stay in Harbin for about a week.
Connecting flight prices from Singapore typically range between S$300-S$800 depending on which airlines you choose and when you choose to fly. Flight prices are similar during peak and off-pea...