#travel

My Three-Day Experience in Harbin, China Day 1: Journey to Yabuli and Skiing in Snow Town Our Harbin adventure began with a scenic drive to Yabuli Snow Town, about three hours from the city. The road was lined with snow-covered trees, giving off serious “winter wonderland” vibes. Once we arrived, the entire town felt like a postcard — traditional wooden houses blanketed in soft, powdery snow, chimneys smoking gently into the freezing air. We wasted no time and headed straight to the Yabuli Ski Resort, the largest in China. It was my first real skiing experience, and after a quick beginner’s lesson (and a few comical falls), I was gliding — somewhat — down the gentle slopes. The crisp mountain air, the soft crunch of snow underfoot, and the sight of kids and adults laughing their way through the powder made it a magical day. We ended the evening with hot pot at a cozy lodge, warming up with spicy broth and local dishes. Day 2: Ice and Snow World – A Frozen Fantasy Back in Harbin, we dedicated our second day to the world-famous Harbin Ice and Snow World. We arrived just before sunset, as the massive ice sculptures began to light up in dazzling colors. It was absolutely surreal — an entire city of crystal-like structures made from blocks of the Songhua River, including full-sized castles, pagodas, bridges, and even ice slides. Walking through the glowing ice corridors felt like being inside a fantasy novel. We slid down giant ice slides, took hundreds of photos, and even caught an acrobatic performance on an outdoor stage (yes, in sub-zero weather!). Despite the freezing temperatures, the excitement kept us warm. Day 3: St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street Charm On our final day, we slowed down to soak in the history and architecture of St. Sophia Cathedral, one of Harbin’s most iconic landmarks. The green-domed Russian Orthodox church stood tall against the snowy backdrop, a relic of the city’s Russian past. Inside, the former church is now a museum, showcasing black-and-white photographs of old Harbin, giving us a glimpse into its fascinating cultural blend. #travel Later, we wandered along Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie), the heart of Harbin’s European charm. The cobbled streets were lined with Russian bakeries, cafes, and souvenir shops.#harbin #ice and snow world

#chinatravel 🏔️ Top Winter Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss: 🏰 Harbin (Heilongjiang) • Ice & Snow World: Massive glowing ice palaces, slides, snow sculptures — magical! • Saint Sophia Cathedral: Russian architecture under falling snow = postcard perfect. • Central Street: Cobblestone streets, ice cream in freezing weather (try it!), and old-European vibes. 🧣 Travel Tips: • 🧊 It’s really cold (-15°C to -30°C) — bring thermal underwear, snow boots, ski gloves, and heat packs • 🛻 Many scenic spots are remote — join a local tour or hire a driver if unfamiliar with snow driving • 📸 Best light: early morning or blue hour before sunset • 🧳 Essentials: moisturizer, lip balm, power bank (cold drains battery fast!) #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #iceworld #harbin

#chinatravel 📍 Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China — also known as the “Ice City”. 🧊 Highlights You Can’t Miss: • 🏰 Giant Ice Castles: Walk through multi-story frozen palaces that glow in rainbow LED lights. • 🛷 Super Ice Slides: Try the long ice slides — fun for all ages! • 🎠 Snow maze, ice carousel & performances: Music, lights, and even snow sculpting competitions. • 🎇 Fireworks & drone shows (some nights) over a glowing frozen city. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #harbin #iceworld

#chinatravel Unique Russian and European Architecture Due to its history as part of the Russian-controlled Chinese Eastern Railway zone in the early 20th century, Harbin has a striking European architectural style that sets it apart from other Chinese cities. Notable landmarks include: Saint Sophia Cathedral – A stunning Russian Orthodox church built in 1907, now a museum #harbin #travel #myitinerary #china

#chinatravel Harbin is best known for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, one of the largest winter festivals in the world, held every January and February. What makes it special: Massive ice sculptures and buildings carved from blocks of ice taken from the nearby Songhua River Colorfully lit ice castles, palaces, and towers that look like a frozen fairy tale Snow-themed parks, skiing, ice slides, and winter sports events #harbin #travel #myitinerary #china

#chinatravel Located in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, Harbin (哈尔滨) is a city unlike any other in China. Known as the “Ice City” and the "Moscow of the East," Harbin offers a fascinating blend of Russian-influenced architecture, bitter-cold winters, and vibrant cultural life. Its distinct identity, shaped by history, geography, and climate, makes it one of the most captivating cities in the country. #harbin #travel #myitinerary #travel

#asiabudgetchallenge 📍Location: Heilongjiang, Northeastern China Visit during winter to experience the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, Central Street, and St. Sophia Cathedral. Hotel with heating: RM300/2 nights, festival tickets: RM180, food: RM100, winter gear rental: RM90, return flight from Shanghai: RM400. 💰Total budget: ~RM1,070 ✅Tip: Layer up—Harbin in winter can drop below -20°C! #travel

#chinatravel A place that warms your heart—even in the coldest city ❄️ Harbin Polarland is where smiles are contagious, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart. Watching the white whales “dance,” penguins waddle, and sea lions play… it’s the kind of magic that reminds you how simple happiness can be. 🐧🫧💙 🔮 Truly a healing place—for all ages. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #harbin #哈尔滨 #polarland

#chinatravel 🚉 You’re standing in front of Harbin Railway Station, where Gothic domes, clock towers, and arched windows rise against the cold sky, wrapped in a soft layer of northern snow. If someone told you this was a filming set for a wizarding world, you’d probably believe it. With its century-old European architecture, the station brings serious Hogwarts vibes — especially in winter. The snow-covered rooftops, steam from arriving trains, and golden lights glowing through the arched windows make the whole place feel enchanted. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #harbin #哈尔滨

#chinatravel ✨ Why Visit? • Directly copies Chefchaouen at 1:1 scale — every detail echoes the Moroccan medina, from deep cobalt walls to spiral stairs and fountains.  • Striking contrast to Harbin’s ice reputation — a Mediterranean vibe tucked inside its Polarland theme park.  • Highly photogenic: perfect for creative shoots, Reels, and vivid travel stories. ⸻ 🚶♀️ Experience It Like a Local • Stroll through narrow lanes, lean against blue corners, and catch projections of Arabic phrases overhead. • Sip mint tea at blue-walled courtyards and capture tiles, arches, and decorative textures. • Feel the quiet elegance of Mediterranean design blended with whimsical Chinese cultural themes. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #harbin #哈尔滨 #水族館

#chinatravel 📍 Location: Sun Island Scenic Area, Songbei District, Harbin 🎟️ Ticket: ~CNY 160–180 for adults; discounts for kids & seniors 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (longer during holidays) ⸻ 🌟 Top Attractions • 🐋 Beluga Whale Show The most famous performance! Watch graceful belugas “sing” and “dance” in a magical show. • 🐧 Penguin Parade See emperor penguins and other Arctic friends waddling through themed zones. • 🐬 Ocean Theater & Sea Lion Show Fun and interactive, especially for families and kids. • ❄️ Polar-Style Photo Spots Ice-themed decorations, Arctic tunnels, and aquariums make for great Instagram shots. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #哈尔滨 #harbin #水族館

#chinatravel 💫 Walk down Zhongyang Street, where Russian architecture, European bakeries, and ice cream parlors create a timeless vibe. 🕌 From the onion domes of Saint Sophia Cathedral to the Russian-style villas, the city feels like a fairytale with a Northeastern twist. 🌸 In summer, Harbin surprises with riverfront walks, colorful cultural squares, and a slower pace that’s perfect for wandering. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #harbin #哈尔滨

#chinatravel Forget the snow—Harbin in summer is full of life, breeze, and quiet beauty. 📍Start at Zhongyang Street (Central Street) Europe meets China here. Stroll past Russian-style facades, old brick shops, and grab a cold ice cream from Modern Hotel. 🚶♀️ Walk to Stalin Park Follow the Songhua River, where locals relax, dance, or fly kites. The riverside breeze is perfect for summer afternoons. 🌆 Sunset at Flood Control Monument A great spot to chill, take photos, and watch the sky turn pink behind the city skyline. #chinatravel #travelchina #china #travel #malaysiatochina #myitinerary #familytravel #chinatrip #哈尔滨 #harbin

The Harbin Grand Theatre is a masterpiece of modern architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding wetlands. Designed by MAD Architects, its flowing, futuristic structure resembles snow dunes or wind-swept curves, making it a visual delight. Visiting in summer offers lush green views, with the reflective surfaces enhancing the natural beauty. Inside, the theatre boasts world-class acoustics and a spacious, minimalist interior. The main auditorium hosts concerts, operas, and performances, delivering an immersive cultural experience. The rooftop walkway provides stunning panoramic views of the Songhua River and nearby landscapes—perfect for photography. However, its remote location (about 30 minutes from downtown) can be inconvenient, and ticket prices for performances are steep. The lack of English signage may also challenge international visitors. Despite this, the sheer architectural brilliance and serene environment make it worth the trip. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a culture lover, the Harbin Grand Theatre is a must-visit. . . #harbin #travel #china

Visiting St. Sophia Church in Harbin during summer is a mesmerizing experience. The Byzantine-style architecture, with its striking red bricks and green dome, stands out against the blue sky, making it a perfect photo spot. The surrounding square, lively with tourists and locals, adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Inside, the church houses a small museum showcasing Harbin’s history, though the real charm lies in its grand hall and arched windows, which let in beautiful sunlight. The lack of religious services (it’s no longer an active church) is a slight downside, but the historical ambiance makes up for it. Summer evenings are especially magical, as the church lights up, creating a romantic backdrop. Nearby, the Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) offers great food and shopping, making it a well-rounded trip. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, so early morning or late visits are best. Overall, St. Sophia Church is a must-see in Harbin—a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. . #naturalwonders #travel #harbin #summer

The magnificent Saint Sophia Cathedral stands as an iconic landmark of Harbin, distinguished by its signature onion domes and striking red-brick facade that exemplify Russian Byzantine architecture. Originally constructed in 1907, it remains the largest Eastern Orthodox church in the Far East. More than just a significant historical and cultural heritage site, the cathedral serves as a powerful symbol of Harbin's multicultural past. Visitors from around the world are drawn to admire its unique exotic charm and awe-inspiring grandeur, making it an essential destination for those exploring the city's rich architectural legacy. #summervacay#travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #familytravel

In winter, Harbin Pharmaceutical No.6 transforms into a magical fairytale scene. A giant snowman installation, complete with a colorful hat and scarf, along with a heart-shaped decoration on its chest, brings warmth and vibrancy to this industrial heritage site. Nearby, a playful Santa Claus figure appears to be "hanging" from the building's windows, creating delightful holiday cheer alongside the snowman. These charming installations captivate both children and adults alike, evoking nostalgic childhood joy. #chinatravel#travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #familytravel

The former site of Harbin Pharmaceutical No.6 in Heilongjiang Province, China, has been transformed into the Harbin Pharmaceutical No.6 Printmaking Museum. Renowned for its exquisite Baroque-style architecture, the grand and ornate structure evokes the splendor of a European palace. More than just a showcase of historical architecture, it also chronicles the development journey of the Harbin Pharmaceutical Group. #chinatravel #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #familytravel

We visited Harbin Wanda Theme Park on a warm summer morning, the kind where the air smelled faintly of sunscreen, popcorn, and possibility. The colors were almost too bright, candy-colored rooftops, spinning rides, and umbrellas scattered like confetti across the walkways. Music played somewhere in the background, mixing with laughter and the rush of water from the flume ride nearby. We followed the crowd toward the fantasy-themed area, not in a hurry, just soaking it in. There was a childlike joy in the air, the kind you don’t question, just follow. 🎢☀️🍧 Later in the day, the sun hit its peak and we ducked into the indoor snow zone, a surreal pocket of winter in the middle of Harbin’s summer. Kids threw snowballs under artificial snowflakes, while parents sipped iced milk tea on wooden benches. We stayed until the lights began to glow warmer, rides lit up in neon, and the park turned golden under the setting sun. Wanda Theme Park in summer doesn’t chase nostalgia, it creates new ones in real time, loud, vivid, and strangely tender. 🎠🌆❄️ #summervacay #travel #thingstodo

We arrived at Jinlongshan National Forest Park while the morning was still cool, the air thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The forest stood tall and quiet, dappled light filtering through layers of green like a slow-moving canopy of glass. Every path seemed to wind deliberately, as if the mountain wanted you to slow down and notice the twist of a vine, the call of a bird, the sudden hush when the wind paused. 🌲🦜🍃 Streams threaded between mossy stones, their water clear and cold, breaking the stillness with soft, steady sound. Higher up, wooden pavilions peeked from the trees, offering places to sit, sip tea, and watch clouds drift lazily over the peaks. The air felt thinner but lighter too, like you were breathing a little deeper without noticing. In summer, Jinlongshan doesn’t shout its beauty; it lets it settle around you, quiet and insistent. It’s the kind of place where the city feels distant, where time softens, and where even the wind seems to know the way home. 🏞️🌤️🕊️ #summervacay #travel #thingstodo

We wandered down Guogeli Street in the late afternoon when the sun stretched long shadows across the old facades. The Russian-style buildings stood in soft colors 🎨 pale greens, yellows, creams their ornate balconies heavy with summer ivy. The street felt like a lingering memory of another place, another time, but dressed in the lazy heat of a Harbin summer. 🌿🏙️🍦 Cafés spilled onto sidewalks, their umbrellas casting shade over iced coffee and melting gelato. The smell of fresh bread drifted from old bakeries, mingling with the sharper scent of perfume from boutique windows. Locals strolled slow, fanning themselves or stopping to snap photos under onion-domed rooftops that gleamed just slightly in the sun ☀️ The street in summer isn’t hurried, it drifts. Every corner carries the echo of a distant Europe, softened by heat and the easy pace of the season. It’s a place where the city feels light on its feet, like it remembers how to daydream. ☕🌞📷 #summervacay #thingstodo #travel

We reached the Harbin Grand Theatre just as the sky turned a pale, endless blue, the sun pooling on its white, undulating surface like spilled light. The building looked less like architecture and more like something the wind shaped a frozen wave stretched out on the river’s edge, waiting to move again. Up close, the smooth curves of steel and glass felt warm underhand, the air buzzing with the sound of distant traffic and cicadas carried from the wetlands nearby. 🌊☀️🎭 Inside, it was cool and cavernous, the hush broken only by the echo of footsteps against vast wooden halls. Light poured in through sweeping skylights, catching dust in midair like slow, glittering rain. From the rooftop, the Songhua River shimmered, wide and lazy under the sun, and the city spread beyond cranes, domes, and old bridges stitched together under summer haze. In summer, the Grand Theatre feels less like a monument and more like a threshold where the city meets the sky, and everything feels possible if you just listen closely enough. 🏛️🌤️🏙️ #summervacay #travel #thingstodo

We arrived at Qunli Wetland Park just as the sun began to soften, sinking low behind the reeds. Wooden walkways stretched out over marshy water, leading us deeper into a landscape that didn’t feel manicured, it felt like it had simply grown around the city’s edges and stayed. The air was thick with the scent of wet earth and green things, the kind of humidity that carries birdsong and the distant hum of insects. 🌾🌞🦢 The tall grasses swayed like a slow tide, hiding flashes of dragonflies and the occasional heron standing perfectly still. Reflections of the sky rippled in the water, broken only by the glide of ducks or the wind catching the surface just right. People walked slowly here, not to get anywhere, but to linger. Summer made everything vivid but unhurried, as if the wetlands knew time differently. Qunli Wetland Park in summer feels like the city’s quiet exhale, a reminder that just beyond glass towers and roads, the land remembers how to breathe. 🍃🛶☁️ #summervacay #thingstodo #travel

We arrived at the Harbin Art Museum as the afternoon sun angled in, glinting off the building’s sharp lines like a blade catching light. The glass and steel exterior shimmered, less like a museum and more like a sculpture the river breeze forgot to carry away. Inside, the air was cool and still, thick with the quiet of people thinking footsteps echoing between concrete walls that held both emptiness and energy. ☀️🖼️🧊 Summer softened the museum’s edges. Light poured in through slanted windows, spilling across contemporary installations and local works that felt like conversations between past and future. A corner sculpture of twisted metal sat like an artifact from the city’s industrial spine, while delicate ink strokes on silk seemed to float, weightless and sure. From the rooftop, the Songhua River moved slow and wide, the city stretching beyond in soft smog and sunlight smokestacks, domes, and cranes stitched together like a half-finished story. In summer, Harbin Art Museum doesn’t just exhibit art, it holds a mirror to the city remembering how to change. 🏙️🌞🎨 #summervacay #travel #thingstodo

We spent the afternoon wandering through Sun Island, where summer wrapped the landscape in warmth and stillness. The Songhua River glittered beside us, wide and lazy, and the breeze carried the scent of grass and river water. The park itself felt endless open lawns, lily-covered ponds, and long willow-lined paths that curved gently out of sight. We rented bikes and pedaled past sculptures, dragonflies, and couples lounging under parasols. Even with its size, Sun Island didn’t feel grand it felt peaceful, like it was made for people to slow down and enjoy being nowhere in particular 🚴♀️🌞🌿 Further in, we came across a quiet lake where paddle boats drifted slowly and families fed fish near the wooden piers. The hum of summer, cicadas, laughter, distant music from a food stall made everything feel soft-edged. We stopped at a small pavilion to sip cold plum juice, the shadows lengthening around us as the day cooled. In winter, Sun Island is famous for its snow sculptures. But in summer, it’s all about stillness, green space, and light, a gentle pause in a city always in motion🧃🪷🏞️ #summervacay #travel #thingstodo

Secret revealed!! This is one of my favourite hotels in China and worldwide. From the photos, it's very easy to tell why. From the lobby entrance to restaurant, along the corridor and into the bathroom, the design and fittings exude a feeling of luxury and royalty. The hotel breakfast is diverse, hearty and yummy. 😋 The location is superb, being a stone's throw away from Zhongyang Street (a long and exciting historic pedestrian street with varied products for sale), next to Zhaolin Park and near Saint Sophia Cathedral. #summervacay #china #travel #thingstodo #harbin #staycation

🏠 Brick walls, wooden balcony, warm lights in winter snow —Stepping inside feels like entering a little storybook cottage. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1️⃣ Latte ☕ 2️⃣ Durian Pizza 🍕 3️⃣ potato wedges 💰 Avg spend: 60yuan per person 📮 No.36, Linjiang Street, Sun Island Scenic Area, Songbei, Harbin 🚇 Nearest: Metro Line 2 “Sun Island” Station, Exit 1–3 🚶 Or take bus 551 to “太阳岛道口” station and walk in ⏰ You can call ahead to check if they’re open 😉 📞 (Suggested contact: 183 4579 8688) 🔔 Tips: 🤫 Best enjoyed during slow travel days 🤫 Perfect for quiet photoshoots — soft light, peaceful vibes 🍴 There are many more food options… but they were sold out 😅 #thingstodo #travel #哈尔滨 #naturalwonders #harbin

#summervacay This hotel made me feel like a local instead Staying at a “home” right in the heart of Harbin — more thoughtful than I imagined 🛕 Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1️⃣ 📌 Prime location – Situated in the central Daoli District of Harbin, just a 10-minute walk to popular attractions like Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and Zhaolin Park. 2️⃣ Breakfast – Above average. A fair variety of options, including coffee, soy milk, and milk — though no tea bags. 3️⃣ Brand experience – Enjoy Hilton-quality service, member points, and convenience all in one. 💰～ ⏰ Open 24 hours 📮 No. 69 Gongchang Street, Daoli District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, 150010 🚘🚇 Just a 1-minute walk to Shangzhi Street Station (Metro Line 2), or just call a Didi! Pro tips ⏮️ 🤫 Online reviews range from 4.8 to 9.6 out of 10 — guests often praise the great value, excellent service, and clean rooms. 🤫 Warm and helpful staff — many guests got free room upgrades! 😊 Perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort and smart choices 😄 #Home2SuitesByHiltonHarbinCentralStreet #HarbinHotel #staycation #travel #thingstodo

#summervacay 🌍🚏｜! Inside Harbin’s Famous Hayaopharm Museum This is Harbin’s iconic Hayaopharm No.6 Factory, a name every local knows. It’s where the “miracle meds” of our childhood—Banlangen (Isatis root), calcium tablets, glucose drinks—were made. Who hasn’t had these growing up? But now… something unexpected is happening. TCM ingredients are being turned into cute, squishy plushies! (Who says Chinese medicine can’t be adorable?) 🛍️ The shop inside blends traditional herbal culture with tea, healing vibes, retro aesthetics, and trendy Chinese designs. 🌟 RECOMMENDED 🌟 1️⃣ Plush toys inspired by Jellycat style, but shaped like classic herbs 2️⃣ Characters include Ginseng, Lingzhi mushroom, Goji berries, and even a Huoxiang Zhengqi Bunny 🐇 3️⃣ Featuring elements from the legendary Compendium of Materia Medica (本草纲目) 💰 Around ¥29 each ⏰ Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM); Closed Mondays 🎟️ Free entry, no reservation needed — bring ID or passport 📍 326 Nanzhi Road, Daowai District, Harbin (original site of Hayaopharm No.6 Factory) 🚇 Easily accessible by public transport Tips ⏮️ 🤫 Don’t miss the museum’s stunning European-style interior, nicknamed the “Louvre of the East” 🤫 It’s not a huge space, but full of charm 😊 Buy 4 plushies, and get a TCM soup pot plush for free! #thingstodo #china #weekend ##travel ##harbin

With summer creeping in, I can’t stop thinking about the frozen magic of Harbin. Here were my favorite stops from the trip. Harbin Ice and Snow World 哈尔滨冰雪大世界 📍 Address: No. 1, Ice and Snow Avenue, Songbei District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China (黑龙江省哈尔滨市松北区冰雪大世界路1号) 🎟️ Tickets: Book via Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program (哈尔滨冰雪大世界). Prices vary by date, usually ¥260–¥330. 🧤 Tip: Bring touchscreen-friendly gloves. Taking your gloves off for photos is brutal. Pack hand & foot warmers (and even one for your phone because the cold quickly drains the battery). Diamond Sea 钻石海 📍 Didi to: “Beach Tribe – Ice and Snow Happy Island” (冰雪欢乐岛) 📌 Tip: The entrance is right next to the Didi drop-off. Security starts clearing people out at sunset, so arrive early for golden hour shots. 🎟️ No official tickets are required, but it’s best visited during the Ice festival season when the ice is thickest and cleared for walking. Siberian Tiger Park 东北虎林园 📍 Address: No. 88 Songbei Ave, Songbei District, Harbin (哈尔滨市松北区松北大道88号) 🎟️ Tickets: Around ¥90. Purchase via Trip.com, WeChat, or on-site. 🚌 Tip: The regular bus is enough unless you want the thrill of feeding the tigers. I’d 100% go back to all of these. I spent two days at Ice and Snow World and visited the Diamond Sea twice. I was tempted to return to the Siberian Tiger Park as well, but I ran out of time. #travel#thingstodo#myitinerary#china