Harbin’s Winter Tourism Shines in 2025 with Record Visitor Growth and Revenue, Cementing Its Status as a Global Ice and Snow Destination

Published on February 3, 2025

As of early February 2025, Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, has become one of the most popular winter tourism destinations in the world. With a remarkable year-on-year increase in visitors and tourism revenue, Harbin’s ice and snow tourism has seen a significant rise, particularly during the winter months. This surge in tourism is attributed to the city’s expanding infrastructure, the growing appeal of its winter-themed attractions, and the newly introduced travel experiences that cater to a wide range of tourists. The demand for winter leisure travel in Harbin remains strong, with a projected increase in both visitor numbers and tourism revenue in the coming years.

In the 2023-2024 winter season, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists, marking a staggering 300 percent increase compared to the previous year. Tourism revenue surged by 500 percent, reaching 124.8 billion yuan (approximately USD 17.3 billion). This remarkable growth highlights the increasing global interest in Harbin as a winter tourism hotspot. The city’s tourism success is not only rooted in its natural beauty and winter activities but also in its ability to adapt and expand its offerings to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers.

Expanding Winter Tourism: New Travel Options and Experiences

Harbin’s tourism infrastructure has seen significant improvements, which have been essential in supporting the city’s growth as a major winter destination. One of the most notable developments is the introduction of winter-themed train routes, aimed at enhancing accessibility for tourists traveling from different parts of China. The K974 ice and snow-themed train, for example, now connects Xiamen to Harbin, making it easier for southern travelers to experience the city’s renowned winter offerings. Additionally, the K5197 ice and snow travel photography train has become a hit among travelers, particularly elderly visitors. The train is equipped with specially designed cabins that offer photography services, allowing passengers to capture memorable moments during their winter journey.

These travel innovations are expected to further fuel Harbin’s appeal as a top destination for winter tourism. With the introduction of these themed trains, the city is not only improving accessibility but also offering unique, immersive experiences that cater to travelers’ interests. As more travelers seek specialized experiences, the demand for unique travel options like these is expected to rise, influencing the broader travel industry’s focus on customized travel packages.

Key Attractions: Ice and Snow World, Local Culture, and Culinary Experiences

Harbin’s iconic attractions continue to draw large crowds, particularly the Harbin Ice-Snow World, a massive ice and snow park that spans over a million square meters. This year, the park welcomed over 2 million visitors by mid-January, after its annual opening. The park’s impressive ice sculptures, interactive winter activities, and themed performances have made it a central part of Harbin’s winter tourism offerings. The inclusion of elements related to the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games has further enhanced the park’s appeal, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the magic of ice and snow while celebrating the international event.

While Harbin’s ice and snow attractions remain the primary draw for tourists, the city’s cultural offerings are also gaining traction. Regional dishes, such as the traditional “iron pot stew,” are becoming more popular among visitors, and the “Kang bed-stove” experience, a heated brick bed commonly used in northern China, has seen a 154 percent increase in searches since November 2024. These cultural and culinary experiences provide visitors with a deeper connection to Harbin’s local heritage and traditions, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. The combination of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion offers a balanced tourism experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

Tourism Revenue and Visitor Trends: A Booming Winter Economy

The rapid growth of Harbin’s tourism sector is part of a broader trend seen across China’s winter tourism industry. According to the China Ice and Snow Tourism Development Report (2025), 430 million travelers participated in ice and snow tourism during the 2023-2024 winter season, generating a staggering 524.7 billion yuan (USD 74.3 billion) in revenue. This number is expected to increase significantly in the 2024-2025 season, with projections of over 520 million travelers and revenue exceeding 630 billion yuan (USD 89.5 billion).

The popularity of ice and snow tourism is not just limited to Harbin but is a national phenomenon, with other regions in China seeing similar growth. The success of the city’s tourism industry reflects a broader shift in traveler preferences, with more people seeking unique winter travel experiences that combine adventure, culture, and relaxation. This shift has had a significant impact on the global tourism industry, as more countries and regions begin to invest in their own ice and snow tourism infrastructure to capitalize on this growing demand.

Enhancing Visitor Experience: Infrastructure Improvements and Multilingual Services

To accommodate the growing number of international tourists, Harbin has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the overall visitor experience. The city has launched a comprehensive tourism platform, created a special tourism map for the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, and established multiple tourist centers to better serve guests. The platform includes a cross-border travel app, which is expected to streamline the experience for international travelers by offering detailed information in multiple languages.

Harbin’s efforts to improve accessibility are also evident in the city’s enhanced payment options. With 1,391 POS machines now accepting foreign bank cards and 70 currency exchange points available at major hotels and attractions, the city is making it easier for international visitors to navigate the local economy. These improvements to the payment and service infrastructure are designed to cater to the needs of a growing global tourist base, enhancing the appeal of Harbin as a must-visit winter destination.

Strengthening the Local Economy: A Broader Impact on Heilongjiang Province

Harbin’s tourism boom has not only contributed to the city’s economy but has also had a significant positive impact on the broader Heilongjiang Province. In 2024, Harbin’s tourism sector generated 231.42 billion yuan (USD 32.1 billion) in revenue, marking a year-on-year increase of over 30 percent. The growth in tourism has revitalized the local economy, benefiting various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

As the city continues to attract large numbers of tourists, local businesses are capitalizing on the influx of visitors. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region have seen increased demand for goods and services, ranging from souvenirs and local food products to winter clothing and equipment. This growth is contributing to the economic diversification of Heilongjiang Province, which traditionally relied on industries like mining and manufacturing. The tourism sector’s expansion is expected to continue boosting the local economy, providing new opportunities for businesses and workers alike.

The Role of Technology and Digital Solutions in Harbin’s Tourism Growth

Technology has played a key role in Harbin’s tourism success, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of services. A dedicated team of young digital professionals has been managing thousands of customer feedbacks daily, ensuring that visitor concerns are promptly addressed. This has led to improved government service efficiency, creating a more positive experience for tourists. The incorporation of digital solutions such as the cross-border travel app and multilingual services has further improved accessibility for international travelers.

The use of technology in Harbin’s tourism industry also extends to the transportation sector. With the introduction of new winter-themed train routes and travel photography trains, the city has leveraged digital platforms to offer unique and convenient experiences for tourists. These innovations are likely to influence the broader travel industry, as other destinations look to adopt similar strategies to attract winter tourists.

Conclusion: Harbin’s Winter Tourism and Its Global Impact

Harbin’s growing popularity as a winter tourism destination is part of a broader trend that is reshaping the global travel industry. With its expanding infrastructure, unique travel experiences, and focus on local culture and hospitality, the city is well-positioned to remain a top destination for winter tourists in the coming years. The impact of Harbin’s success is already being felt across China, with other regions looking to capitalize on the growing demand for winter travel experiences.

As the global tourism industry continues to recover and adapt to shifting travel preferences, destinations like Harbin are setting new standards for winter tourism. By offering a diverse range of activities and experiences that cater to a wide variety of interests, Harbin has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in the ice and snow tourism sector. Its success will undoubtedly inspire other destinations to invest in winter tourism infrastructure, ultimately benefiting travelers worldwide.