FOR many travellers in Sarawak, the allure of winter adventures in Harbin, located in northeastern China, is a dream journey waiting to come true.
Nestled within Heilongjiang Province, Harbin — its capital city — is renowned for its breathtaking ice and snow sculptures, which come to life each year during the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.
Recently, a group of 18 Sarawakian holidaymakers from Komachi Industrial (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kuching, had the opportunity to experience this magical winter wonderland firsthand during their Company Incentive Trip.
Under the guidance of tour leader Jennifer Chai, they set off from Kuching, travelling via Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou before arriving in Harbin in early January — a time when the city is at its wintry best.
Excitement filled the air as some travellers experienced winter for the first time, while others had never encountered such extreme cold. Dressed in full winter attire and high spirits, they braved temperatures as low as -29°C in the daytime and -35°C at night.
The landscape was a pristine white — snow covered the ground, tree branches, and rooftops. Despite the freezing temperatures, the experience was exhilarating, and many in the group agreed that visiting Harbin should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once.
Jennifer, from Tours of Joy Sdn. Bhd., shared that this was her first trip back to Harbin since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coincidentally, her last tour group to China had also visited Harbin in autumn 2019, just before the lockdowns began. The writer was among the members of that trip.
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, dedicated solely to ice and snow art.
This year’s festival began on December 20, 2024 and will run until late February 2025. The festival transforms the city into a mesmerising wonderland, where skilled artisans create spectacular sculptures — ranging from charming small animals, ice lanterns to monumental structures resembling ancient palaces and contemporary architecture.
The itinerary included a visit to the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, where artists sculpted frozen snow into lifelike figures — animals, human faces, cartoon characters, vehicles and cultural scenes from around the world.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of the trip was exploring Harbin Ice and Snow World, an expansive 80-hectare park filled with magnificent ice structures. Walking through the entrance felt like stepping into another world — towering ice castles, glittering sculptures, and breathtaking displays told stories of artistry and folklore.
On the night of January 5, which coincided with the festival’s official opening ceremony, the group was treated to an unforgettable spectacle of fireworks and a dazzling drone light show illuminating the icy masterpieces.
The adventure continued at Yabuli Ski Resort, where they watched skiers glide effortlessly down snowy slopes. They also enjoyed horse-drawn sleigh rides, soaking in the picturesque winter landscape.
Another highlight was a visit to China Snow Town, a charming village where thick layers of snow covered rooftops and streets. Here lay stunning formations known as “snow mushrooms” — natural formations of deep snow — created a stunning sight, especially when illuminated at night by colourful lights.
Tourists flocked to the Ten Mile Ice and Snow Gallery, where tree branches and leaves were coated in frost and ice, forming a magical wintry scene. Some group members even lay down in the snow for unique photo opportunities.
Visitors also embraced various winter activities, from building snowmen to engaging in playful snowball fights. Many took joy in riding sleighs pulled by tractors, moving in rhythmic circular motions over the snowy ground.
At Jingpohu Tourist Attraction, they marvelled at the frozen Jingpo Lake, where cascading icicles adorned the waterfalls, creating another spectacular winter scene.
Beyond the icy wonders, Harbin is rich in history. The group explored the Volga Manor, a Russian-themed park, and St. Sophia Cathedral, an architectural gem built in 1907 that reflects Harbin’s Russian influence.
Further explorations took them to Si Da Lin Park (Stalin Park) and the Harbin Flood Control Memorial Tower, a monument commemorating the community’s resilience during the 1960 floods. The tower stands by the Songhua River, opposite Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Their journey concluded with a visit to Shenyang province, where they explored the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum and strolled along the charming Manqing Dynasty Street, bringing home unforgettable memories of this enchanting winter adventure.
