- On December 7, 2025, the Harbin Ice Harvesting Festival officially commenced, marking the start of Harbin’s winter tourism season and demonstrating the city’s commitment to expanding its ice and snow tourism sector.
- Ice harvesting activities took place on the Songhua River, attracting large numbers of local and international tourists. The harvested ice will be used to construct ice sculptures and snow structures at the Harbin Ice and Snow World.
- In 2025, the Harbin Ice and Snow World is projected to cover 1.2 million square meters, utilizing 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow. The site will feature cross-country skiing, themed parades, cultural performances, and other activities, driving international tourism growth and economic diversification.
- In 2024, Harbin welcomed 903.5 million tourists, generating tourism revenue of 137.22 billion yuan (approximately US$19.4 billion). This surge boosted local industries such as hotels, dining, and transportation, fostering job creation and commercial expansion.
- Ice and snow tourism has become a key driver of regional economic prosperity, increasing incomes for small and micro-enterprises, including local artisans, guides, and food vendors, while promoting urban-rural economic stability.
- As a major tourism gateway in Northeast Asia, Harbin leverages international market access and transportation hubs to advance cross-border tourism with Russia and neighboring countries, strengthening regional connectivity across China and Southeast Asia.
- Harbin enhances its competitiveness as China’s leading winter tourism destination by diversifying offerings such as luxury cruises, winter sports, cultural events, and eco-tourism.
- Tourism development prioritizes environmental sustainability, promoting low-impact tourism and eco-friendly travel to protect natural resources. These efforts attract environmentally conscious international visitors, ensuring long-term healthy growth of winter tourism.
- Harbin’s winter tourism success aligns with China’s national strategy to expand the ice and snow economy, targeting economic output of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, driving tourism diversification and global influence.
- Government support and private-sector collaboration, combined with smart tourism initiatives and sustainable practices, ensure continued growth for Harbin’s winter tourism sector, solidifying its status as a premier global winter destination.
Date: December 8, 2025
Location: Harbin, China
Event: Harbin Ice Harvesting Festival Launch and Winter Tourism Development
URL:
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/harbin-ice-harvesting-festival-kicks-off-winter-tourism-season-attracting-global-visitors-and-boosting-economic-growth-through-ice-and-snow-attractions-and-sustainable-practices/
