Harbin
Sun Island Scenic Area, Harbin
Sun Island (Taiyang Dao) is a large scenic park on the north bank of the Songhua River, directly across the water from central Harbin. In summer it is a green retreat of lakes, wetlands, rose gardens, Russian-style villas and tame squirrels, a calm contrast to the busy city. In winter it becomes the home of the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, where artists carve enormous works from packed white snow rather than clear ice, so a visit rewards travellers in any season.
Winter scene on the frozen riverfront beside Sun Island, Harbin
What to see
In the warm months, wander the landscaped gardens, rent a bike, visit the small Russian-themed village, and look for the red squirrels the park is known for. From late December the snow expo takes over, with sculptures that can stand several storeys tall, lit and shaded to show off their carved detail. Sun Island sits right next to Ice and Snow World, so winter visitors often pair the white snow art by day with the coloured ice city after dark.
Tickets and opening hours
The park generally opens from about 08:30 to 17:00, with the winter snow expo keeping its own seasonal schedule. A basic summer park ticket has been around 30 RMB, while the winter snow expo is ticketed separately and costs more; combined passes that include the cable car run higher. Confirm current prices before you go, as they change yearly.
Getting there
The most scenic way across is the cable car that glides over the Songhua River from the Stalin Park side. You can also reach the island by road bridge, taxi or, in summer, by ferry. Allow a half day, more if you combine it with the ice festival.
Highlights
- A riverside park of lakes, wetlands and rose gardens in summer
- Home of the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo in winter
- Snow sculptures several storeys tall, carved from packed white snow
- A cable car gliding across the Songhua River from Stalin Park
- Tame red squirrels and Russian-style villas in the warm months
Travel Tips
Pair with Ice and Snow World
Sun Island is next to Ice and Snow World, so see the daytime snow sculptures here and the illuminated ice city after dark.
Take the cable car
The ropeway over the Songhua River is the most scenic way to reach the island and a highlight in its own right.
Check seasonal tickets
The summer park and the winter snow expo are priced separately. Confirm current rates and whether a combined pass with the cable car is better value.
