【Winter's Choice】 Harbin Outdoor Skating Rink: Songhua River

Harbin Outdoor Skating Rink: Songhua River

If winter isn't cold enough for you, join us on a trip to the Songhua River in Heilongjiang Province, the northernmost part of China!

In Manchu, Sunggari Ula means “the galaxy” and “the river of the sky”. Songhua River is the largest tributary of the Amur River. The section that flows through Harbin is a significant local waterscape. In summer, breezes gently blow through the banks of Songhua River, making the area suitable for strolling. Many tourists also like to take a boat trip to enjoy the view of the Binzhou Railway Bridge completed in 1901 along the river. 

(Photo Source: https://www.sohu.com/)

In winter, the river surface of more than a hundred metres wide forms a firm ice layer of more than half a metre. People ride horse carriages, slide with snow tubes and skate on the frozen river, turning the Songhua River into a large-scale playground in winter. If you want to experience outdoor ice skating, you can't miss this place!

Sun Island Scenic Area    

Sun Island is an island in the Songhua River. Legend has it that Manchu people used to catch white Amur breams in the area. The Manchu pronunciation of a species of white Amur bream is similar to “the Sun” in Chinese, so the island was named in this way. Nowadays, Sun Island has been listed as a national park and a 5A Tourist Attraction of China. The scenic area is multi-functional, including sightseeing, education and vacation.

With the total area of 88 square kilometre, Sun Island features different buildings and scenic areas, including the Harbin Polar land, Russian Style Town and Exhibition Hall of Arts and Crafts of Ice and Snow. Among all, you are highly recommended to have a visit to the Squirrel Island. The Squirrel Island consists of three islands, with an area of approximately 24,000 square kilometre. The island is home to about 2,000 squirrels, making it the largest site in Heilongjiang for viewing and raising squirrels as well as educating the public about these furry friends.

Moreover, the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a theme park with ice and snow sculptures, is another popular tourist destination on Sun Island. Established in 1999 and later reserving the western area of Sun Island as the permanent site, the Harbin Ice and Snow World attracts a million tourists annually.