Best things to do in Harbin

Experience life at the poles at Harbin Polarland, a theme park and animal observation center. See and learn about animals that live at both poles, including polar bears, penguins, arctic wolves, and arctic foxes. Themed areas above and below water allow you to see some of the regions' famous wildlife against chilly looking backdrops, and learn about their behavior in their natural habitat. The bustling underwater environments have a particularly believable look to them, with atmospherically lit glass observation tanks fitted with props to resemble a deep-sea dive.

Explore European belle époque architecture in the Far East in Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, a cobblestone zone in a city once dubbed the "Moscow of the Orient." Built in 1898 by Russian architects, this 1,450 m (4,757 ft) long street features some 71 buildings representing a variety of European styles from the era. Well-preserved Neo-Baroque and Eclecticism structures will make you feel as if you're on a movie set, with countless street vendors selling anything from exotic to regular. Browse through department stores, visit the Orthodox cathedral, and sample local cuisine in one of the many restaurants on the street.

Marvel at an array of intricate frozen sculptures and artworks at Harbin Ice and Snow World, one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in the world. Explore the outdoor park and discover its wide range of monuments crafted from packed snow and ice, which run the gamut from triumphal gateways to gigantic igloo-like palaces. Hop aboard a horse-towed wagon to kick back and admire the park at the same time, or simply wander your way through the variety of world landmarks and structures created almost entirely out of ice. You'll note many of the ice structures also feature colored lighting that lends them bright hues in the dark.

Admire the imposing, Byzantine architecture of Saint Sophia Cathedral, a former Eastern Orthodox church and landmark of Harbin. The church was built in the early 20th century, when Russians made up a third of the city's population. Now serving as a museum, the majestic building features towering spires and rotund green domes. Step inside to see photographs that explain how Harbin developed into a bustling city over the last 100 years.

Harbin Flood Control Memorial Tower commemorates heroes who helped the city fight off floods of the Songhua River. In 1958, just one year after the city beat the devastating flood which threatened Harbin in 1957. The army built the tower and huge embankments to protect the city from future destruction, and the memorial commemorates the heroic spirit of those who defended the city. The 22.5 m (47 ft) tower has markings to delineate the highest water levels from floods in both 1932 and 1957.

Enjoy the enchanting scenery at Zhaolin Park, particularly known for its winter festival. Year-round the landscape charms visitors with its lake, bridges, pavilions, outdoor theater, and children's play area. Tour the flower beds in bloom, and admire the grounds' thoughtful arrangement. Every winter from early January until late February, the park transforms into a fairy-tale land, home to an ice lantern show and annual snow and ice festival. A mini version of the main ice show outside the city, it showcases exquisitely carved ice sculptures and replicas of famous monuments from all around the world--ice buildings, pavilions, bridges, and towers--with new surprises every year.