China’s Snow and Ice Economy Booms as Harbin, Yabuli, and Heilongjiang Become Global Hotspots for Winter Tourism and Photography: What more you need to know?

Published on February 21, 2025

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in photographic tourism, drawing visitors from across China and beyond. The city, already known for its Russian-style architecture and winter landscapes, has seen a growing number of tourists prioritizing stunning travel photography experiences as part of their journey.

Among them was Bu Shengyao, a 25-year-old visitor from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, who arrived at midnight but wasted no time in preparing for the highlight of her trip. She had pre-booked a travel photography session and, by early morning, was already dressed in European-style royal attire, complete with a scepter, posing in front of the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral.

As she explained, capturing such visually striking moments was her top priority in Harbin. The city’s Byzantine-style cathedral, one of its most celebrated landmarks, has become a magnet for those seeking social media-worthy images. With the increasing popularity of cultural travel photography, visitors have been reserving professional shoots days in advance to ensure they capture Harbin’s uniquely European aesthetics.

Tourism Photography Studios See an Unprecedented Boom

As more tourists flock to Harbin for immersive photography experiences, local travel photography businesses have been witnessing an explosion in demand. One such company, Daka Travel Photography, reported handling 40 to 50 customers per day during the winter season, with many visitors coming from the southern provinces of Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, as well as the city of Shanghai.

Zhao Wenlin, a manager at Daka Travel Photography, noted that although the company has branches nationwide, Harbin has become its busiest location by far. The sheer demand for photo sessions has led to a boom in local photography studios, with more than 100 similar businesses operating in the surrounding areas.

Photographers and stylists at these studios work long hours, often from 9 a.m. until midnight, catering to a clientele that spans generations, from young children to middle-aged travelers. The growing trend of destination-based photography experiences has turned Harbin into one of China’s most sought-after visual tourism hotspots.

European-Style Landmarks Fuel Harbin’s Social Media Popularity

Harbin’s European architectural influences have significantly contributed to its tourism appeal. While the Saint Sophia Cathedral remains the most recognizable landmark, other locations such as Harbin Railway Station have also gained popularity due to their striking architecture and historic ambiance.

This fascination with capturing European-style settings within China has been fueled by social media, with countless visitors posting glamorous photos taken against Harbin’s snow-covered streets, historical buildings, and grand facades. The city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences makes it a compelling destination for cultural travelers, attracting not only domestic tourists but also international visitors looking for an authentic winter photography experience.

Photography-Themed Train Journeys Enhance the Travel Experience

Recognizing the growing interest in scenic travel photography, China Railway Harbin Group recently launched its first-ever photography-themed train in early January 2025. The service, operating on Train K5197 between Harbin and Yabuli, a renowned ski resort cluster, has already seen an impressive response, with approximately 1,000 passengers participating in onboard photography sessions during their journey.

The introduction of such experiential train services is part of a broader trend toward enhancing the tourism experience through curated travel moments. By combining railway travel, immersive photography, and winter sports tourism, this initiative has further cemented Harbin’s status as a top winter destination.

For Yabuli, which currently serves as one of the key venues for the ninth Asian Winter Games, this influx of tourists seeking both sports and photography opportunities has provided a boost to the region’s snow and ice tourism economy.

The Economic Impact of Harbin’s Tourism Boom

As Harbin’s winter tourism industry flourishes, the city has become a major player in China’s broader “snow and ice economy”. The combination of sports tourism, architectural tourism, and social media-driven photography tourism has positioned Harbin among the top domestic and international winter travel destinations.

The ongoing Asian Winter Games has contributed significantly to global attention, drawing tourists from beyond China’s borders and encouraging further investment in tourism infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality services.

Key factors driving Harbin’s tourism surge include:

• Cultural and architectural appeal: European-style landmarks, such as Saint Sophia Cathedral, offer unique photo opportunities.
• Growth of experiential tourism: Professional travel photography services have made it easier for visitors to create visually compelling travel memories.
• Winter sports tourism boom: The Asian Winter Games and Yabuli’s ski resort cluster have expanded Harbin’s tourism offerings.
• Themed transportation experiences: The introduction of photography-focused train services has further enriched the traveler experience.

The Global Influence of Harbin’s Tourism Innovations

Harbin’s rise as a photographic travel destination is reflective of a larger shift in global tourism trends. Cities around the world are increasingly looking at ways to enhance the visitor experience through curated, Instagrammable travel moments.

For international travelers, Harbin serves as a model for how cities can integrate historical preservation with modern tourism demands. The success of its photography-based travel economy could inspire other destinations to invest in visual tourism infrastructure, from historical re-creations to immersive experience centers.

Similarly, the launch of themed train journeys could pave the way for other destinations worldwide to develop similar offerings, combining transportation with cultural storytelling and digital engagement.

Harbin’s example suggests that the future of tourism will be increasingly experiential, emphasizing immersive, visually appealing, and highly shareable travel experiences.

Final Thoughts: Harbin’s Tourism Revolution and the Future of Travel

Harbin has transformed from a winter getaway into a global leader in visual and experiential tourism. Its architectural wonders, thriving travel photography industry, and integration of themed experiences have made it a model city for modern tourism trends.

As international travel continues to evolve, other destinations may look to Harbin’s success in integrating heritage, technology, and curated tourism experiences to appeal to next-generation travelers. The city’s ability to blend historical charm with cutting-edge tourism services highlights the future of destination marketing and travel innovation.

For those planning their next winter adventure, Harbin promises a one-of-a-kind journey—where history, architecture, and photography come together to create unforgettable travel memories.