Many choose to experience car and off-road motorcycle drifting services on the thick ice of the Songhua River.

A section of the frozen Songhua River in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China, has transformed into a popular winter playground, drawing numerous locals and tourists. In January 2026, visitors were seen forming teams for dragon boat races on the icy surface.

Ice games in Harbin. Video: China_travel 02/Tiktok

Children and adults alike enjoy inner tubing on the frozen Songhua River, affectionately known as the "fun playground" each winter.

An area featuring ice fog creates an ethereal, hazy effect, perfect for visitor photo opportunities.

Visitors also splash hot water into the frigid air, capturing the moment it instantly transforms into shimmering ice crystals.

Visitors engage in "bubble ball" games, running or rolling inside large inflatable spheres on the frozen river. This allows players to bump into each other without direct contact with the ice.

The robot dog sled service, operating on the Songhua River, is a popular attraction for families with young children.

Despite temperatures on the frozen river sometimes plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius, children continue to play joyfully.

Harbin is currently experiencing its peak tourist season, drawing visitors from across the globe.

The 2026 Ice and Snow Festival, which commenced on 5/1, will continue until the Lunar New Year, typically in late February. This year, Harbin anticipates welcoming approximately 95 million visitors, marking a 5% increase from last year.

Tam Anh (according to Xinhua News Agency)