Recently, Harbin is bustling with tourists, who are captivated by the glamour of the prestigious "Ice City" , in particular, its distinctive winter landscape and scenery, and famed ice and snow leisure and recreation.

Harbin, Heilongjiang, Photoed by ZHANG Xiaoqing

As the northernmost province of China, Heilongjiang is endowed with unique climate landscape and bountiful ecological resources for its geographical location and climate conditions.

Ice slide in Harbin Photoed by LI Zishuo

Covering a vast expanse of land located in the mid- and cold temperate northeastern China, Heilongjiang is characterized by continental monsoon climate.

Heilongjiang, as a landlocked region, is controlled by arctic continental airmass in winter. Its climate is frigid, dry, and its winter long and cold.

The long winter with a heavy snow cover earns this place a reputation as a paradise for ice and snow sports, hence an attraction to a raft of tourists from home and abroad. 

Besides, as an important destination in China for ice and snow tourism, Heilongjiang has financially benefited from this emerging service, with a handsome revenue yielded to local communities and an impetus given to the local economy.

In recent years, weather and climate have been recognized as an important factor for travel planning. Likewise, by adding value to the landscape and scenery, they are enabling the ice and snow leisure-seeking tourism to further flourish.

Having worked on weather landscapes and resources in the province since 2021, the local meteorologists have developed a relevant database, with a meteorological tourism IP put up. While generating revenue for themselves, these efforts serve to empower the local economy.

Harbin Photoed by ZHANG Xiaoqing

Since 2022, local meteorologists have joined hands with relevant stakeholders to organize the selection of characteristic climate towns. Altogether, 14 such towns have been listed in Heilongjiang.

The campaign has rewarded the province with a higher reputation and profile, a stronger tourism system, and a longer product line.

With this brand name in place, as a result, more tourists are in a position to find their ideal destinations with ease.

Taking Hengdaohezi County in Hailin, a Century-old Town as an example, its unique architecture is an additional attraction to multitudes of people feasting their eyes on the winter scenery here.

The booming ice and snow leisure-seeking tourism in this winter is also inextricably attributable to the distinct natural climate and tailored tourism products.

For instance, the snow rime and snow valley in the National Forest Park at Phoenix Mountain in winter are appealing to numerous tourists.

In addition, there are more entertaining places waiting for you to explore and try here!

Special thanks to HUANG Yingwei

Editor: LIU Shuqiao