Stretching across 1.45 million square meters of the frozen Songhua River, the Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival is Harbin's youngest major winter attraction and the largest open-air ice playground of its kind in China. First launched on January 5, 2011, the carnival opens annually around late December and runs for approximately two months, offering a free-admission alternative to the city's ticketed ice and snow theme parks.
The venue spans the river surface from the Flood Control Monument (Fang Hong Ji Nian Ta) eastward to the Binzhou Railway Bridge and westward to Jiuzhan Beach. Unlike enclosed parks, the carnival maintains an open-access policy—there is no entrance fee for all visitors, and local residents and tourists alike can simply step onto the ice and explore freely.
The 2025–2026 season, the eighth edition of the carnival, features nearly 60 distinct attractions covering all age groups. Signature experiences include the upgraded Super Ice Slide with wave-effect lighting, snow tubing speed drift zones with separate areas for adults and children, ice hovercraft, ice karting, snow spinning tops (chou bing ga), ice bicycles, curling, ice bumper cars, and snow football. New for this season is a dedicated ice fishing experience zone infused with Oroqen ethnic cultural elements, where heated tents, insulated floors, and professional guidance allow visitors to fish for local species such as the "Three Flowers and Five Roaches" prized in Northeast China. A 1,600-meter snow sculpture art corridor along Stalin Park showcases elaborate snow carvings and provides a scenic photo backdrop.
A standout innovation this winter is the introduction of 20 robotic dogs deployed as part of the carnival's "technology plus ice" initiative. These mechanical performers, equipped with custom "dog-wheel-legs" designed for traction on ice, can pull sleds carrying children, interact with visitors, and perform synchronized dance routines set to traditional lion dance music. An AI-controlled ice sculpture thermometer using VR and AR technology adds an interactive digital dimension to the experience, while evening iron-flower fireworks performances (da tie hua) illuminate the frozen river with sparks and color.
The carnival is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours until 10:00 PM during the Spring Festival period. The site is located on the Songhua River just behind the Flood Control Monument, within easy walking distance of Central Street and Stalin Park. For international visitors, the park features bilingual Chinese-English signage, English-language broadcast announcements, and on-site translation staff. Complimentary activities include children's snow slides, snow football, and ice hockey, while premium experiences such as the Super Ice Slide and ice karting are available for a fee. Visitors born in the Year of the Horse (2026 is the Year of the Horse) receive free access to select attractions upon presenting valid ID.
Since its inception, the Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival has become the third pillar of Harbin's winter tourism lineup, alongside the Harbin Ice and Snow World and the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. With its no-ticket policy, massive open layout, and blend of traditional folk recreation and cutting-edge technology, the carnival offers an authentic, accessible, and unforgettable winter experience for anyone visiting Harbin during the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.
Zhangjiajie Avatar Tours