Zhaolin Park Harbin
Harbin's Zhaolin Park: A winter wonderland of dazzling ice sculptures and a charming urban escape year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Ice sculptures glow magically
Zhaolin Park Harbin
Best Time
Ice sculptures glow magically
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Harbin's Zhaolin Park: A winter wonderland of dazzling ice sculptures and a charming urban escape year-round.
"The most curated park in China with hundreds of ice sculptures and amazing ice activities."
Warm Up Your Winter Gear
Harbin winters are brutal! Bundle up in layers, wear insulated boots, and bring gloves/hats for the ice festival. :snowflake:
Nighttime is Magical
The ice sculptures truly shine after dark with vibrant lighting. Don't miss the illuminated spectacle! :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ice Lantern Art Fair
Zhaolin Park
Hundreds of intricate ice sculptures illuminate the park, creating a magical winter spectacle.
Illuminated Night Views
Zhaolin Park
Experience the park's ice creations come alive at night with stunning, colorful illumination.
Winter Skating Fun
Boating Lake
The frozen boating lake becomes a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy ice skating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonderland Magic
Beyond the Ice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Up Your Winter Gear
Harbin winters are brutal! Bundle up in layers, wear insulated boots, and bring gloves/hats for the ice festival. :snowflake:
Nighttime is Magical
The ice sculptures truly shine after dark with vibrant lighting. Don't miss the illuminated spectacle! :sparkles:
Free Entry, Fun Activities
Admission to Zhaolin Park is often free, but some activities like boating or amusement rides have a fee. :moneywithwings:
Close to Central Street
Conveniently located near Harbin's famous Zhongyang Dajie (Central Street), making it easy to combine visits. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Up Your Winter Gear
Harbin winters are brutal! Bundle up in layers, wear insulated boots, and bring gloves/hats for the ice festival. :snowflake:
Nighttime is Magical
The ice sculptures truly shine after dark with vibrant lighting. Don't miss the illuminated spectacle! :sparkles:
Free Entry, Fun Activities
Admission to Zhaolin Park is often free, but some activities like boating or amusement rides have a fee. :moneywithwings:
Close to Central Street
Conveniently located near Harbin's famous Zhongyang Dajie (Central Street), making it easy to combine visits. :walking:
Taste Local Delights
Keep an eye out for vendors selling unique local fruits and snacks within or near the park. :apple:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zhaolin Park is a beloved urban oasis, particularly celebrated for its dazzling winter Ice Lantern Art Fair. Visitors praise its free admission, impressive ice sculptures, and convenient location near Central Street. While some find the park can get crowded during peak times, it's generally seen as a beautiful and accessible spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy.
"A lovely little city park right in the city. there is a little of everything. Visited in late December but due to the weather there was no ice sculpture. Anyway the pond were frozen over and kids were skating around. Great place to spend some time away from the crowd."
Julian Wong
"Lovely gardens and park land set in the middle of Harbin.
The gardens are free to enter and you can spend anywhere between 10 minutes and half the day in there. It is a good place to sit and enjoy yourself.
There are also boats that can be rented and a children's amusement park- both of which require money.
The park also contains some small animals in cages for children to feed."
george
"Totally enjoyed coming here. Very close to walk from our hotel. Came here during winter to witness ice carvings/sculptures and it’s very impressive! Free entrance coming in with many ice activities."
Shaira Nadiah MJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zhaolin Park is centrally located in Harbin, making it easily accessible. Many visitors find it a short walk from the popular Zhongyang Dajie (Central Street). Public buses also serve the area, and taxis are readily available throughout the city. If you're staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option.
Yes, Zhaolin Park is well-known and situated in the heart of Harbin. Its proximity to major landmarks like Central Street means it's a common destination for tourists.
In winter, due to the cold, taking a taxi or bus directly to the park is recommended over long walks. Ensure your transportation is warm and efficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The good news is that Zhaolin Park often has free admission, especially for its general grounds and gardens. However, specific attractions within the park, like boat rentals or amusement rides, may require separate tickets.
The Ice Lantern Art Fair typically begins in late December and runs through February. It's best to check the official dates for the current year as they can vary slightly.
Since general admission is often free, discounts are usually not applicable. However, it's always wise to inquire about any special event pricing if you plan to visit during a specific festival.
For the main ice lantern festival, advance ticket purchase is generally not needed as entry is free. For specific paid activities within the park, you can usually purchase tickets on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
The illuminated ice sculptures are the main draw for photographers, especially at night. Look for unique angles and compositions among the various ice creations. The frozen lake also offers scenic winter shots.
Absolutely! The ice lantern festival provides a spectacular backdrop for photos, showcasing the artistry of ice sculpting in a magical, illuminated setting.
For capturing the illuminated ice sculptures, visiting in the evening after sunset is ideal. Daytime offers a different perspective, allowing you to see the details of the ice in natural light.
For night photography, use a tripod to avoid blur, a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light, and a higher ISO if needed. Experiment with long exposures to capture the light trails of any moving elements.
🎫 ❄️ Winter Experience
Zhaolin Park is most famous for its annual Ice Lantern Art Fair, a spectacular display of hundreds of intricately carved ice sculptures that light up the park. It's a quintessential Harbin winter experience.
Besides admiring the ice sculptures, you can enjoy ice skating on the frozen boating lake, and there's a small amusement area for children. Some visitors also mention seeing small animals in cages.
While admission is free, the park can get quite crowded, especially during peak evening hours when the ice sculptures are illuminated. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the evening might offer a slightly less crowded experience.
Extremely warm clothing is essential. Think thermal layers, a heavy winter coat, insulated pants, waterproof boots, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. The cold can be intense.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Ice Lantern Art Fair
The fair truly comes alive at night when the sculptures are illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights. This creates a magical and ethereal atmosphere, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Harbin during the winter months. The sheer scale and artistry involved in creating these temporary ice masterpieces are astounding, offering a unique visual feast that changes year after year.
While the ice festival is the main winter draw, it's worth noting that the park's history as the oldest park in Harbin adds another layer of charm. It provides a glimpse into the city's past while offering a spectacular present-day winter experience. The combination of artistic display and historical significance makes Zhaolin Park a standout destination.
Exploring Zhaolin Park Beyond the Ice
A prominent feature of the park is its boating lake. In the summer, it's a popular spot for renting boats and enjoying a relaxing time on the water. During the winter, the lake freezes over and transforms into a lively ice-skating rink, where locals and tourists alike can partake in this classic winter activity. This dual-purpose lake adds significant recreational value to the park throughout the year.
Additionally, Zhaolin Park houses a small amusement area, which can be a hit with families and children. There are also reports of small animals being kept in cages for children to see and feed. These elements contribute to the park's role as a versatile community space, offering diverse activities for different age groups and seasons.



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