Practical Tips

Winters in Harbin are extremely cold, regularly going down to -30°C, but January to March are also the best times to visit the city. The Ski Festival is on December 26 and the International Ice Festival takes place annually on January 5. Remember to pack thermal underwear and as many layers of clothing as you can. Gloves, hats, scarves, shoe-insulators – are all widely available on the streets and you'll need to wear them all. The good news is that buildings are well heated. Harbin is a little cooler than most other cities in China if you come during the summer, though it still reaches 30°C on hot days.