Frozen Songhua River

For several months each winter the Songhua River freezes into a broad white highway, and the people of Harbin make full use of it. The ice is thick enough to carry vehicles and crowds, and local operators set up a seasonal playground that includes sleds pulled by dogs or ponies, ice bikes, spinning tops, ice skating, snow tubing and horse-drawn sleighs. Vendors sell hot sweet potatoes, grilled sausages and the famous frozen fruit coated in sugar, while folk performers and fishermen add local colour. The scale of the river is the real attraction: standing on a frozen channel that is wider than many lakes, with the city skyline on one bank and the long bridges overhead, is an unforgettable experience of northern winter. The activities are simple and cheerful, and they suit all ages. The linked product is a three-hour sightseeing outing on the frozen river, which gives you a guide and a plan rather than leaving you to sort out the options on the ice. Even for visitors who dislike crowds, an hour on the river is the clearest way to understand why the city loves its winters.

Dress in layers with windproof outerwear, insulated boots with good tread, thick gloves and a hat. Sunglasses help on bright days, since glare off the snow and ice is intense, and a scarf over the face keeps off the wind.

Cameras and phones lose battery quickly, so keep them inside your coat. Activities such as sledding and ice bikes often cost extra on the ice, usually in cash or by mobile payment, so ask your guide what is included. Keep children close and make sure that they are warm enough, with short breaks in heated tents or cafes nearby. Combine the river with the ropeway and Sun Island for a full winter day, and plan a hot pot dinner afterwards to warm up properly.

The experience is best on clear, calm days, when the sunlight sparkles on the surface. A few safety and comfort tips are worth repeating. Never wander beyond the marked and managed areas, even if other people appear to be doing so, because ice thickness varies across a river and currents weaken it in places that look identical from above. Wear boots with deep tread or add ice grips, and walk with small, flat-footed steps. Keep your valuables zipped in an inner pocket, because gloves make it easy to drop a phone on the ice.

If you plan to try the ice bikes or sleds, wear waterproof trousers or an outer shell, since you will sit on snowy surfaces. The mood is lively and festive, with local families, groups of friends and visiting tour parties sharing the space, and the best moments often come at the edges of the activity zones, where you can watch the light change over the ice. Allow time for a hot drink and a warm-up before you head back into the city.