The Coolest Place to Be This Summer? Harbin, China.

China’s winter capital is launching a summer spectacle—with beer tents, VR snow worlds, and an icy fantasyland under the sun.

For most travelers, Harbin conjures visions of glittering ice sculptures, frozen palaces, and Siberian winds sweeping across northern China. But in 2025, this famously frosty destination is debuting something unexpected: a summer edition of Ice-Snow World, transforming Harbin into a year-round wonderland—and perhaps China’s most surprising warm-weather escape.

Yes, Harbin is still about snow. But now it’s artificial, immersive, and delivered with a cold pint of beer.

A City That Knows How to Celebrate

At the heart of the transformation is the 23rd China Harbin International Beer Festival, poised to be the city’s biggest and boldest yet. Under the theme “Raise a Glass to Invite the World to Enjoy Harbin,” the festival brings a riot of beer tents, live music stages, and themed zones to the lush banks of Sun Island.

Picture giant steins raised under twinkling lights, riverside concerts echoing through warm summer nights, and party zones with names like Snow Rhyme Lilac Torch Square—Harbin’s version of a Bavarian beer garden meets sci-fi dreamscape.

A Summer of Ice and Imagination

The new summer Ice-Snow World offers an experience that defies geography. Step into the Dream Ice and Snow Pavilion, where sub-zero installations create a chilled microclimate beneath the summer sun. Or wander through the Ice and Snow Art Gallery, showcasing delicate, otherworldly sculptures that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-concept art museum.

Then there’s The King’s Chariot, a high-drama, high-tech fantasy show on a sweeping panoramic stage, and Encounter Harbin, a riverside performance blending folklore, music, and projection mapping with the city’s natural scenery.

For those seeking a deeper dive into Harbin’s playful side, ten new experiences await—from a snowflake-shaped Ferris wheel to eco-glamping grounds and a VR-led snow adventure called Ice Dragon’s Pearl. There’s even a vintage car exhibition, adding retro charm to this future-forward playground.

Why Now?

Harbin’s summer expansion is more than a novelty—it’s a strategic move. After hosting the 9th Asian Winter Gamesearlier this year and welcoming over 12 million visitors during the 2025 Spring Festival alone, the city is doubling down on its momentum. International arrivals surged by nearly 145%, while flight bookings spiked 47% year-over-year.

Now recognized as one of China’s top ten international aviation hubs, Harbin is rolling out major infrastructure upgrades—from the Starlight Sports Complex to the Sun Island Green Sports Park—to support its evolving identity as a four-season destination.

Getting There

Harbin is well-connected via direct domestic and international flights. From Beijing, it’s a short 2-hour hop; from Seoul or Tokyo, just over 3. Visas for most countries are straightforward, and new e-arrival options for international travelers are expected to launch later this year.

What’s Next?

This summer’s debut of Ice-Snow World is just the beginning. Local officials hint at plans for thermal spas, year-round snow sports, and even more artistic collaborations across Harbin’s sprawling Sun Island district.

In a world of overexposed summer destinations, Harbin offers something rare: cool air, cool beer, and a city confidently rewriting its story. Come for the snow in July. Stay for the unexpected.

Need to Know:

• When to Go: The Beer Festival runs through late July and August; most summer attractions stay open into early September.

• Where to Stay: Try Songbei Shangri-La for river views, or Lvyuan Boutique Hotel for stylish access to the festival grounds.

• What to Pack: A light jacket (for indoor snow zones), sunglasses, and plenty of curiosity.

• The announcement follows a record-breaking tourism season earlier this year:

• 12.15 million visits during the 2025 Spring Festival

• International arrivals up 144.7% year-on-year

• 47% increase in flight bookings during the 9th Asian Winter Games

• Recognition as one of China’s top ten international aviation hubs

Harbin’s infrastructure now includes expanded air links, upgraded hospitality zones, and new venues like the Starlight Sports Complex, Sun Island Green Sports Park, and Four Seasons Recreation Center, making it more accessible than ever for global travelers.

Whether it’s raising a glass under the summer stars or stepping into an ice dream in July, Harbin is redefining what it means to be a year-round destination for the world.