How to get to Harbin

A journey to Harbin offers the opportunity to witness the unique capital of Heilongjiang province, where Chinese culture harmoniously coexists with Russian architectural heritage. Reaching this metropolis in northeast China is possible via various means: from direct flights to travelling by train or car. Regardless of the chosen route, the "Ice City" is ready to amaze guests with its atmosphere and hospitality at any time of the year.

The city's main air gateway is Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB), which serves millions of passengers annually and offers flights from many major hubs. The airport is conveniently located relative to the centre, allowing you to quickly begin exploring the region after landing.

Alternatively, one might consider flying to neighbouring cities such as Daqing, Songyuan, or Jilin, from where the journey continues by ground transport. This can be a convenient option when planning a complex itinerary or searching for more favourable ticket prices.

Harbin is one of the key railway hubs of Northeast China, so travelling here by train is a convenient and popular solution. The city is served by several major stations receiving both regular and high-speed trains from Beijing and other metropolises of the country.

If you are planning a complex itinerary, you can also utilise rail connections through neighbouring Daqing, Songyuan, or Jilin. These cities are integrated into the region's general transport network, allowing easy access to your final destination.

Bus services connect Harbin with many settlements in Heilongjiang province and neighbouring regions. Intercity buses in China are generally comfortable and run regularly, departing from the main bus terminals of major cities.

Travel time and ticket costs depend on the departure point, so it is recommended to check the current schedule directly at ticket counters before travelling. This is an excellent budget-friendly way to view the country from the window and reach your destination.

Travelling by car allows you to plan your schedule independently and enjoy the scenery. The fastest route runs from the city of Daqing: a distance of about 168 km can be covered in approximately 2.5 hours.

A journey from the city of Songyuan (about 236 km) will take around 3.8 hours. If you are driving from the city of Jilin, expect to spend about 4.7 hours on the road, covering a distance of 275 km.

A trip to Harbin requires careful preparation, especially if you plan to visit in winter during the famous Ice Festival. To ensure a comfortable journey, please note the following recommendations.

1. Dress warmly. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C. Layered clothing, thermal underwear, a warm hat, and non-slip footwear are mandatory for walking.
2. Set up payment methods. International Visa and Mastercard cards are rarely accepted. Install Alipay or WeChat Pay apps in advance and link your card to them for paying for purchases and services.
3. Protect your electronics. In severe frost, smartphone and camera batteries drain instantly. Carry a high-capacity power bank and keep gadgets in warm inner pockets.
4. Use translation apps. English is not spoken everywhere. Download an offline translator with a photo translation function to read menus and signs.
5. Use ride-hailing apps. Hailing a car on the street in freezing weather is difficult. Apps like DiDi (often built into Alipay) will help you book a car without knowing the language.
6. Protect your skin. The winter air in the region is very dry. Be sure to bring rich nourishing cream for face and hands, as well as lip balm.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid practical difficulties and fully focus on the beauty of the ice sculptures and the unique architecture of the city.