6 must-visit cities in China for Chinese New Year 2026 (6)

Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province

If you're looking for a Chinese New Year experience unlike anywhere else in the country, Harbin is the ultimate answer. While most cities celebrate Spring Festival with red lanterns and temple fairs, Harbin adds something magical: a true winter wonderland where the New Year glows in ice and snow. For travelers, coming to Harbin at Spring Festival is not just sightseeing — it's stepping into China's most spectacular seasonal celebration.

The highlight is undoubtedly Harbin Ice and Snow World, the city's iconic winter festival and one of the most breathtaking cold-weather attractions in China. This year's edition sets a new record in scale. The park spans 1.2 million square meters and uses over 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, making it the largest in the festival's history.

Inside, towering ice castles, glowing palaces and crystal-clear sculptures rise under the night sky, turning the frozen landscape into a shimmering kingdom. As colorful lights illuminate the giant structures, visitors can walk through radiant ice corridors, admire monumental carvings, and witness how traditional craftsmanship meets extreme winter creativity.

Beyond sightseeing, the park is packed with winter fun — from ice slides and snow play zones to interactive attractions and outdoor games — making it a perfect family-friendly New Year getaway where kids and adults can celebrate together.

And what makes Harbin especially perfect for the Chinese New Year is the atmosphere beyond the park. The city's winter landmarks — from the lively Central Street to its European-style architecture — feel even more festive during the holiday, with crowds gathering, families taking photos, and local markets filled with New Year's energy.

For anyone seeking a holiday that is both deeply seasonal and visually unforgettable, Harbin delivers the most cinematic version of Spring Festival in China.

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 5, 2026, shows a drone light show at Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)