❄️ As the ice and snow season takes over, Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is turning into the ultimate winter playground! With a mix of thrilling activities, cool new travel options, and the friendliest locals, it's no wonder more and more people are flocking to this snowy paradise. ⛸️⛄
Last winter, Harbin welcomed over 87 million tourists – that's a whopping 300% increase from the previous year! 😱 Tourism revenue also skyrocketed 500% to reach an incredible 124.8 billion yuan ($17.3 billion). Talk about a snowball effect! 🤑
This year, the winter vibes are even stronger. Hotel bookings during the Spring Festival are up by 76% compared to last year, according to Chinese travel platform Qunar. And with the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games on the horizon plus new winter-themed adventures, Harbin's charm is on the rise! 🏂🎿
All Aboard for New Adventures! 🚂📸
To keep up with the hype, new winter-themed train routes are making it easier and more fun to get to Harbin. The K974 ice and snow-themed train, launched by China Railway Nanchang Group, now connects sunny Xiamen with icy Harbin, making the trip super convenient for southern travelers. 🌴❄️
But wait, there's more! The K5197 ice and snow travel photography train is a game-changer. With specially designed cabins that double as photo studios, passengers can snap amazing shots right on board. 📸✨ This experience has been a hit, especially with elder travelers looking to capture unforgettable memories.
\"I'm 72 years old this year. I came here to experience this tourist train and the travel photography service, and it has been a wonderful surprise,\" shared Jin Yue, a traveler from Liaoning Province. 💖
From epic ice sculptures to cozy train rides with a twist, Harbin is pulling out all the stops to make this winter the coolest one yet. So grab your scarf and mittens, and get ready for an icy adventure you won't forget! 🧣🧤❄️
Reference(s):
Harbin's winter tourism booms with new experiences, upgraded services
cgtn.com
