Harbin
Sun Island Scenic Area, Harbin
Cross the river from central Harbin and the ice gives way to snow: Sun Island's winter expo is carved from packed white snow rather than the clear ice blocks that light up after dark at Ice and Snow World across the water, which is why the two make a natural daytime-then-nighttime pairing. In summer, before any of that exists, the same ground turns into a green riverside park of lakes, wetlands, rose gardens, and a small Russian-style village, a calm contrast to the busy city just across the Songhua.
Winter scene on the frozen riverfront beside Sun Island, Harbin
Winter: the snow sculpture expo
From late December, the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo takes over the island, with artists carving sculptures that can stand several storeys tall across a number of themed zones, lit and shaded through the day to show off the carved detail. As of the 2025-26 edition the expo runs from late December into late February, generally open 9am to 5pm with last entry around 4:30pm. Because it works in natural daylight rather than illumination, it rewards a different time of day than the ice city across the river.
Summer: gardens, bikes, and red squirrels
In the warm months, wander the landscaped gardens, rent a bike, visit the small Russian-themed village, and look for the tame red squirrels the park is known for. The park itself generally opens from about 8:30am to 5pm.
Getting there
The most scenic way across is the cable car that glides over the Songhua River from the Stalin Park side downtown, a ride of around 5 to 10 minutes each way; it can close for a few days around Chinese New Year and sometimes the October National Day holiday, so have a backup plan if you are visiting then. Buses 88, 85, and 80 also run to a stop near the island-side cable car terminus, and you can reach Sun Island by road bridge, taxi, or, in summer, by ferry. Allow a half day, more if you combine it with the ice festival across the river.
Tickets
A basic park entry fee applies in both seasons, with the winter snow expo ticketed separately from the summer park pass; the cable car is priced per ride, with a pricier VIP option that skips the queue and adds a short film. Combined passes covering the park, expo, and cable car together are usually the better value if you plan to do all three, but confirm current fees before you go, since they're adjusted from year to year.
Highlights
- A riverside park of lakes, wetlands, and rose gardens in summer
- Home of the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo in winter
- Snow sculptures several storeys tall, carved from packed white snow across themed zones
- A cable car gliding across the Songhua River from Stalin Park, a 5 to 10 minute ride
- Tame red squirrels and Russian-style villas in the warm months
Travel Tips
Pair with Ice and Snow World
Sun Island works in natural daylight snow, so see the sculptures here by day and the illuminated ice city across the river after dark.
Take the cable car, but have a backup
The ropeway over the Songhua River is the most scenic way to reach the island, though it can close for a few days around Chinese New Year and sometimes National Day; buses 88, 85, and 80 or the road bridge are the fallback.
Know your season
The snow expo (late December to late February) and the summer park are entirely different experiences with separate tickets; check which one is actually running before you plan a visit.
Check current fees
Park entry, the winter expo, and the cable car are priced separately, and a combined pass usually works out cheaper if you want all three; rates are revised yearly, so confirm before you go.
