Harbin Ice Lantern Festival: dates, zones, tips for your visit

In winter, the Chinese city of Harbin seems to turn into something else entirely—enchanted and radiant. Each year it hosts the Ice Lantern Festival, part of the broader Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Visitors arrive from across the globe to see palaces, sculptures, and towers carved from ice, all shimmering after dark.

Behind the sparkle lies a layered story, a handful of lesser-known facts, and practical tips for anyone planning to see it firsthand.

How it all began

Long ago, Harbin residents made simple ice lanterns: blocks of river ice with a candle inside, glowing like small beacons. The first official exhibition dates back to 1963. By 1985 it had grown into a full-fledged festival, and since 2001 it has been an international event—one of the world’s most recognizable winter celebrations. The leap from humble lanterns to grand artistry feels natural when you see how the tradition keeps inspiring new ideas.

Where it happens and what you’ll find

The festival unfolds across several major zones, each with its own character:

Zhaolin Park is where it all started. It hosts the Ice Lantern Exhibition, with hundreds of ornate figures and illuminated sculptures. As evening falls, the atmosphere turns especially striking.

Ice and Snow World is a full-scale ice city. Massive structures rise from river ice—castles, bridges, towering spires—all bathed in color. Designs change every year, rebuilt from blocks cut from the Songhua River, which adds a sense of anticipation to each edition.

Sun Island is the stage for the snow sculpture exhibition. Artists from around the world craft pieces that impress with precision and grace—works that make you slow your pace and look closer.

When to go

The festival officially opens on January 5, though several areas often welcome visitors in late December if the weather cooperates. It typically runs through the end of February—so long as the deep freeze holds.

Harbin’s winter can be severe, with temperatures down to −30°C. Layering is essential: thermal base layers, a heavy jacket, mittens, warm boots, and a hat. Comfort here starts with warmth.

Behind the build

Work on this ice-made city begins as early as November. Crews cut blocks from the river, shape them, and assemble monumental forms—each block weighing several hundred kilograms. The scale alone gives you a new respect for the craft.

Artists come not only from China but also from other countries. A sculpture competition takes place each year, and visitors can watch teams at work on site—part workshop, part performance.

What travelers need to know

Tickets are sold separately for each zone: Zhaolin Park, Ice and Snow World, and Sun Island. Buying in advance—online or through reputable tour agencies—helps avoid queues and sold-out slots.

Getting there is straightforward by flight to Harbin’s airport or by high-speed train. Staying near Central Street is convenient for reaching all the main venues.

What else to see and try

There’s more than sculptures to keep you busy on site:

• sleigh and ice rides,
• ice slides,
• shows and performances,
• local food—especially hot, hearty dishes that hit the spot in the cold.

Why it’s worth seeing up close

Harbin’s festival is more than a gallery of beautiful forms. It’s a celebration that grew from a folk ritual into a full-fledged winter spectacle. Despite its scope, there’s a surprising warmth to it—felt even in subzero air—perhaps because the craft remains so visible.

If you want something truly out of the ordinary in winter, Harbin won’t disappoint. It’s not just a show; it’s an ice-built world that calls you back for another look.