Harbin's Ice and Snow World is about to melt away, are you still not planning to come?

A Chronicle of a Four-Day Leisurely Trip to Harbin In 2025, I embarked on my second journey, with the snow-covered Harbin as my destination. As a traveler from the south, I mustered up my courage and ventured deep into the heart of Northeast China to experience a winter wonderland. This trip was so wonderful that I can't wait to share it with you. I also prepared a detailed guide in advance, hoping to help you avoid unnecessary hassles during your travels. Over the course of four days, I explored Harbin, Xuegu, and Xuexiang, without ever backtracking or needing a chartered car, enjoying complete freedom. On the first day, as the morning sun cast its first rays, I headed to Harbin's iconic landmark, Saint Sophia Cathedral. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to visit Zhaolin Park, but the bustling Daoli Food Market was just a stone's throw away. In the afternoon, I took a bus from the train station directly to Xuegu, arriving at my homestay in the evening. I enjoyed an authentic dinner, experienced the magical moment of splashing water turning into ice, and savored local delicacies like candied hawthorns and frozen pears. The next day, I journeyed from Xuegu to Xuexiang, experiencing the thrill of horse-drawn sleighs and snowmobiles. I also hiked through the snowy mountains and finally reached Gou Xiong Ling (Bear Ridge) on a snowmobile. At night, Xuexiang was illuminated with twinkling lights, and the snow-covered mushroom houses looked like a dream. The joy of snow tubing was truly unforgettable. On the third day, I admired the daytime beauty of Xuexiang and enjoyed another sleigh ride. In the afternoon, a bus took me through the Ice and Snow Gallery and Datudingzi Mountain, along the Yaxue Highway back to Yabuli. At Yabuli Railway Station, I boarded a train to Harbin Station, admiring the majestic Harbin Railway Station along the way. In the evening, I strolled across the Songhua River Railway Bridge, experienced the ice carnival in Daowai, and finally enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Baroque-style China Bar Street. I then washed away two days of travel fatigue at a local bathhouse. On the last day, I traveled entirely by taxi. In the morning, I visited the Siberian Tiger Park and Sun Island, catching glimpses of the magnificent Polarland and Ice and Snow World from afar. In the afternoon, I went to the Unit 731 Museum. Although the long queues due to the crowds were a bit of a wait, the historical impact was deeply moving. Afterward, I returned to Harbin Institute of Technology to savor some of the top-rated dishes, passed by Central Street, and then headed to the airport for my journey home. I truly appreciated the convenience and affordability of traveling during the off-season. Airfare, accommodation, and bus tickets were all reasonably priced, and booking in advance helped avoid the crowds. I also packed plenty of warm clothing to ensure a worry-free trip. In short, this Harbin trip was incredibly rewarding. I not only experienced the beautiful scenery of northern China but also immersed myself in the authentic culture of Northeast China. If you're also planning a trip to Harbin, I hope my guide provides some helpful insights.