Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. As a Chinese traveler who has explored more than thirty countries and developed a deep passion for cultural history, I’ve learned that the most memorable journeys are never about rushing through famous sights. They’re about forming a real connection with nature, with a city’s rhythm, and with the stories that shape a place. Harbin is one of the cities I always return to, a destination where Eastern heritage meets Western influences and where winter creates its own kind of magic. Among all its attractions, the Sun Island Scenic Area stands out as the best place to understand the true soul of Harbin. In this guide, I’ll walk you through its landscapes, seasonal highlights, and cultural depth so you can see a broader, richer, and more meaningful side of this remarkable city.

Summary

Introduction to Sun Island Scenic Area

The Sun Island Scenic Area, also known as Sun Island Park, transforms throughout the year. In summer, it becomes a vast, lush urban park with free admission. When temperatures drop, the park closes and later reopens as the venue for the famous Harbin Snow Expo, which requires a ticket. Covering 88 square kilometers—with 38 square kilometers designated as the core scenic area and another 50 square kilometers as a protective buffer—this 5A-rated national attraction blends natural landscapes, ice-and-snow culture, and Russian influences. Whether you visit for the greenery of spring and summer or the spectacular ice-and-snow scenery in fall and winter, the Sun Island Scenic Area is always worth your time.

  • Address: No. 3 Taiyang Avenue, Songbei District, Harbin ( Apple Maps / Amap )
  • Opening hours: 08:30–17:00. The park usually opens from March to late November, and the Snow Expo runs from late December to late February.
  • Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours. An afternoon visit is not ideal because Squirrel Island and sightseeing vehicles stop operating around 15:30. Mornings or midday are better.
  • Best seasons: All year. Enjoy the Snow Expo and snow sculptures in winter; appreciate natural scenery in other seasons.
  • Ticket prices: The park is free, with separate admission fees for certain venues. Tickets are required during the Snow Expo.
Sun Island landmark sculpture under a blue sky

Sun Island Scenic Area Map

Sun Island Scenic Area full tourist map

Why You Should Visit Sun Island Scenic Area

Cultural Landscape & Historical Heritage

  • Russian charm: The Russian Town, Northern Folk Art Museum, and other architectural clusters highlight European cultural influences and offer immersive experiences.
  • Historical sites: The Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Forces Memorial Park and Sun Stone carry important cultural and historical significance.

Natural Ecology & Climate Advantages

  • Wetland ecosystem: Around 70% of the scenic area consists of wetlands with vegetation coverage exceeding 90%. In summer, temperatures can be about 3°C cooler than downtown, making it a natural “air-conditioned zone.”
  • Pleasant climate: The region has a temperate monsoon climate with short, cool summers and abundant winter snow resources.

Seasonal Activities

  • Summer: Bund Wetland Park, Squirrel Island (home to over 2,000 squirrels), and family-friendly boat rides.
  • Winter: The Snow Expo featuring massive snow sculptures and snow slides covering nearly one million square meters.

Top Things to Do in Sun Island Scenic Area

Main Attractions

Sunshine Waterfall

Sunshine Waterfall is one of the most iconic man-made sights in the Sun Island Scenic Area. Water pours down from a high cliff and creates a striking curtain of shimmering spray, bringing vibrant energy to the park during summer. The surrounding trees stay lush through the warm months, and the cool mist mixes with the soft breeze to create a refreshing atmosphere that almost feels like a Nordic forest. Moreover, the waterfall is a favorite among photographers, as the flowing water and shifting light offer excellent opportunities for creative shots.

Artificial waterfall at Sun Island Scenic Area

Swan Lake

If you love peaceful natural settings, Swan Lake should be high on your list. The water stays calm like a mirror, and the wooden walkway curves gently along the lakeshore. Groups of swans glide across the surface with effortless elegance. During sunset, warm golden light reflects off the lake and blends with the sky, making it one of the most soothing and photogenic spots in the entire Sun Island Scenic Area.

  • Feed: 5 CNY per pack
Two swans swimming on Swan Lake in Sun Island

Deer Park

Deer Park is especially popular among families because it offers the chance to meet gentle deer up close. These animals are friendly and curious, often walking toward visitors with soft eyes and calm expressions. If you are lucky, you may even get to feed them, which creates a warm and memorable interaction with nature. For families with kids, this spot almost always becomes a trip highlight.

  • Ticket price: 10 CNY, includes one portion of deer feed
Herd of spotted deer grazing at Sun Island Deer Park

Squirrel Island

Squirrel Island is one of the most entertaining ecological areas within Sun Island. Many wild squirrels live here, and although they are not as tame as pets, they often approach visitors slowly if you wait quietly. The island itself is serene, filled with tall trees and shaded paths that make it ideal for slow walks. It is also a perfect place for travelers who enjoy nature photography.

  • Ticket price: 28 CNY
  • Sunflower seeds for feeding: 10 CNY
Squirrels climbing on an overhead mesh walkway

Russian Style Town

Russian Style Town allows you to experience a unique slice of European atmosphere right in Harbin. Its buildings follow traditional Russian wooden architecture and Eastern European design, creating the feeling of wandering through a small village near Lake Baikal. Visitors often come here for photos, cultural exhibits, and charming specialty shops. This attraction requires a separate ticket and remains open even during the Snow Expo season. It also fits well into either a half-day or full-day Sun Island itinerary.

Interior of a vintage-style Russian café on Sun Island

Harbin Snow Expo

As one of Harbin’s most iconic winter events, the Snow Expo takes place on Sun Island every year from late December to late February. The exhibition zone is filled with massive snow sculptures, artistic installations, and family-friendly snow activities. The scale alone—nearly one million square meters—often leaves visitors amazed. At night, the lighting adds dramatic depth and transforms the snow sculptures into dream-like artworks. It’s unquestionably one of the top winter attractions in Harbin.

Snow sculpture featuring blue-and-white porcelain design at Harbin Snow Expo

Sun Island Scenic Area Ticket Guide

Admission to the Sun Island Scenic Area is free, although many attractions inside require paid entry. Even so, the free areas are spacious and popular among locals who come here for relaxing walks. In addition to entrance fees for certain attractions, visitors may also take the park’s sightseeing shuttle for 25 CNY per person. Walking through the scenic area covers roughly 2 km, so travelers with seniors or young children may find the shuttle more comfortable.

The Sun Island Scenic Area is perfect for slow, relaxing walks, and if your schedule allows, spending half a day here feels just right.

  • Morning: Take the metro → ride the sightseeing shuttle to get oriented → focus on Swan Lake and Sunshine Waterfall
  • Noon: Picnic on the lawn / try local grilled red sausages
  • Afternoon: Rent a bike → visit Squirrel Island → cycle along the riverside
  • Evening: Take the 2-CNY ferry across the river → Flood Control Monument → Middle East Railway Bridge → stroll Central Street at night

There are only a few small snack stalls inside the Sun Island Scenic Area, so it’s better to dine near the cable car station outside the park, where cafés and restaurants are plentiful.

ONE Sun Daoshang Café

Colorful European-style building of ONE Café on Sun Island
  • Why it’s recommended: The vintage European-style house paired with Sun Island’s winter snow scenery creates beautiful photo moments, especially on sunny afternoons.
  • Address: No. 36 Yuan, Linjiang Street, Songbei District, Harbin ( Apple Maps / Amap )
  • Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 09:30–19:00
  • Average cost: 41 CNY per person

Staying near Museum Station and Workers’ Cultural Palace Station is ideal, as these are interchange stations on Metro Line 1 and Line 2. From here, it’s easy to reach Central Street, the Harbin Ice and Snow World, and the Sun Island Scenic Area. It’s also convenient for visiting night markets such as Shida Night Market and Xuefu Four Night Market. This area is lively and great for shopping, with Fendou Road Grocery Market within walking distance. A variety of hotel options are available here, making it an excellent accommodation zone. For more detailed recommendations, see the Harbin Hotel Guide.

Hilton Garden Inn (Harbin Train Station Central Street)

Hilton Garden Inn (Harbin Train Station Central Street)
  • Location: 5 minutes walk from Museum Metro Station
  • Price Range: 181 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.7 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Robot delivery service, family rooms

The hotel is conveniently located next to the metro station. It’s close to Harbin Railway Station, providing easy access to Ice and Snow World, Central Street, and Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Rooms are clean, stylishly furnished, and very quiet. Many rooms are equipped with smart devices, offering great value for money.

New Paris Hotel Harbin

New Paris Hotel Harbin
  • Location: 2 minutes walk from Workers’ Cultural Palace Metro Station
  • Price Range: 299 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.6 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, family rooms

The hotel is advantageously located right next to the metro station, offering convenient access to nearby attractions and close to Gogol Street. The decor boasts European characteristics.

Rooms are comfortable, fully equipped with essentials, and quiet. The cleanliness is well-maintained, with great attention to detail.

Atour Hotel Museum Harbin Train Station

Atour Hotel Museum Harbin Train Station
  • Location: 8 minutes walk from Workers’ Cultural Palace Metro Station, 11 minutes from Museum Metro Station
  • Price Range: 412 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.8 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot delivery service, family rooms

The hotel’s location is ideal, near the museum and convenient for transportation, located on the main road and near the beautiful Zhongshan Bridge. Catching a taxi is very convenient.

Rooms are spacious, clean, and notably, despite facing the street, are exceptionally well soundproofed, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Hilton Hampton by Hilton Harbin Central Street

Hilton Hampton by Hilton Harbin Central Street
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Museum Metro Station, 10 minutes from Harbin Station Metro Station
  • Price Range: 429 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.7 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot delivery service, family rooms

The hotel is excellently located near Gogol Street and the Provincial Museum, and very close to the metro, making access to various attractions convenient. The area around the hotel is bustling with shopping centers and dining options.

Rooms are clean and tidy, with beds of moderate firmness. Rooms are well-equipped, including humidifiers to prevent dryness, and bathrooms with wet and dry separation, making your stay more comfortable and enhancing your travel experience.

How to Get from Harbin City Center to Sun Island Scenic Area

The metro is the most convenient option, as it offers a direct route. However, if you are already near the ferry terminal or cable car station, taking the boat or cable car offers a different experience. For the return trip, you can switch to the metro or call a taxi.

Metro

Harbin Metro Line 2 goes directly to Sun Island. You can use either Exit 2 or Exit 3 at Sun Island Station; Exit 2 is closer to the Visitor Center, while Exit 3 is closer to the Sun Stone area.

Ferry

Take the ferry from the Flood Control Victory Monument. A 10-CNY ticket brings you straight to the entrance of the Sun Island Scenic Area.

Cable Car

Depart from the Jiangnan side of the Songhua River and take the cross-river cable car to enjoy an aerial view of the river. Tickets cost 60 CNY one way or 100 CNY round trip.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

A taxi ride from downtown Harbin to the Sun Island Scenic Area takes about 15 minutes and costs around 15 CNY.

FAQ

Is the Sun Island Scenic Area stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, most of the pathways are flat and very accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are lockers available at the Visitor Center near the entrance. However, the lockers are small and cannot accommodate large luggage.

Essential Harbin Travel Resources