Harbin Ice-Harvesting Festival Kicks Off Winter Tourism Season, Attracting Global Visitors and Boosting Economic Growth Through Ice-and-Snow Attractions and Sustainable Practices

Published on December 8, 2025

The Harbin ice-harvesting festival, which kicked off on December 7, 2025, officially opened Harbin’s winter tourism season and demonstrated the city’s determination to develop its ice-and-snow tourism. This year, the festival attracted both locals and foreign visitors to watch traditional ice harvesting from the Songhua River-a cultural and historical event that serves as one of the cornerstones in Harbin’s tourism.

The ice harvested from the river will be used to create world-famous ice sculptures and snow structures at the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park. The park is expected to reach 1.2 million square meters in 2025, with 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, offering many activities such as cross-country skiing, themed parades, and cultural performances. These developments will lead to a significant increase in international tourism and spend, fueling growth in economic and tourism diversification.

Economic Impact: Boosting Local Businesses and Regional Development

The tourism season in Harbin has a significant economic impact on local businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. With the increased number of international visitors and the expansion of ice-and-snow tourism attractions, Harbin is set to see a boost in hotel occupancy, restaurant sales, and tourism-related services. The city’s investment in tourism infrastructure—such as upgraded facilities, airports, and transportation networks—is directly supporting local job creation and business growth.

In 2024, Harbin recorded a record-breaking 90.35 million visitors, contributing 137.22 billion yuan (approximately 19.4 billion USD) to the local economy. This increase in tourist arrivals was accompanied by higher tourism spending, particularly in local markets, restaurants, and tour services, demonstrating the powerful economic benefits of the winter tourism sector.

The ice-and-snow tourism sector has become a key driver for regional economic prosperity, especially for small businesses in the tourism supply chain, such as local artisans, tour guides, and food vendors. These businesses experience higher revenue during the peak winter months, fostering greater economic stability in Harbin’s rural and urban areas.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Expanding Tourism Offerings

The development of Harbin’s winter tourism has far-reaching implications for the regional economy. Harbin, with its access to international markets and key transportation hubs, is becoming an essential tourism gateway in Northeastern China. The expansion of winter tourism is helping to boost cross-border tourism, particularly with Russia and other neighboring countries, while also enhancing regional connectivity within China and Southeast Asia.

The success of Harbin Ice-Snow World and other winter-themed attractions is increasing Harbin’s competitiveness as a leading destination for winter tourism in China. The city’s efforts to create diverse tourism products—including luxury cruises, winter sports, cultural events, and eco-tourism experiences—will further solidify its position as a top-tier destination for travelers seeking an immersive winter experience.

Sustainable Tourism: Ensuring Long-Term Growth and Environmental Protection

The growth of ice-and-snow tourism in Harbin also aligns with China’s goals to develop a sustainable tourism economy. As the country’s ice-and-snow tourism sector grows, there is an increasing focus on environmental sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Harbin’s efforts to balance tourism development with eco-tourism principles ensure that the region’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Harbin is emphasizing the importance of low-impact tourism, encouraging tourists to engage in environmentally friendly activities like sustainable sightseeing and eco-friendly travel. These initiatives are not only important for environmental preservation but also help attract eco-conscious travelers who prioritize destinations that promote green tourism.

In the future, as sustainability continues to be a key consideration for global travelers, Harbin’s focus on environmental stewardship will ensure that winter tourism remains a sustainable and responsible industry, driving long-term economic growth without compromising the region’s natural beauty.

Expanding the Ice-and-Snow Economy: A National Tourism Strategy

The success of Harbin’s winter tourism sector is part of China’s broader strategy to expand the ice-and-snow economy, targeting an economic scale of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030. The growing demand for ice-and-snow tourism not only supports local economies in regions like Harbin but also contributes to China’s tourism diversification. By focusing on luxury tourism, winter sports, and sustainable travel, China aims to position itself as a global leader in ice-and-snow tourism.

This national focus is driving investment in infrastructure and tourism services, ensuring that cities like Harbin can continue to attract international visitors while supporting sustainable growth. The economic impact of winter tourism is expected to expand as international tourists flock to the region for unique winter experiences, further reinforcing Harbin’s place on the global tourism map.

The Future of Harbin’s Winter Tourism Sector

The launch of the ice-harvesting festival and the expansion of Harbin Ice-Snow World are milestones in Harbin’s development to become a key destination for winter tourism. With effective government support, collaboration with the private sector, and adherence to sustainability concerns, Harbin is likely to continue its growth in tourism.

While global demand for winter tourism continues to increase, Harbin is well-positioned to remain one of the world’s premier destinations for luxury travellers, ecotourists and adventure seekers alike, who come seeking the splendours of the Red Sea and the cultural richness of the region. The city invests in tourism infrastructure, smart tourism solutions and sustainability practices to guarantee a long-lasting positive impact both on the local economy and on the global tourism industry.