Songhua River & Flood Control Monument

松花江 / 斯大林公园

Harbin's mother river. In winter, the frozen surface becomes a huge ice playground. The Flood Control Monument on the riverbank and Stalin Park mark the end of Central Street.

The Songhua River flows past the north of Harbin. Stalin Park and the Flood Control Monument on its south bank face the north end of Central Street. The Flood Control Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate Harbin's victory over a severe flood in 1957. It is a Soviet-style column with semicircular colonnades, and it is a symbol of old Harbin.

In winter, from mid-December to late February, when the river freezes over, it becomes a free 'ice and snow carnival.' Activities such as ice slides, snow tubing, dog sledding, ice bikes, and ice sailing are charged per session (20 to 100 yuan). You can also walk across the ice to Sun Island on the north bank (about 1 kilometer; pay attention to the signs marking restricted areas). Ice harvesting on the river also takes place in this area.

In summer, you can stroll along the river, take a boat across, or watch the sunset from the riverbank. Stalin Park has many sculptures and pavilions in the style of the former Soviet Union.

Admission is free. Getting there: Walk to the end of Central Street, or take Metro Line 2 to Central Street station and walk about 15 minutes.

Note: Play on the ice only in official areas with fences and staff, and do not walk onto unmarked ice. Winter winds on the river are very strong and the wind chill is significant, so protect your face from frostbite. Keep an eye on children when they use snow tubes.

Songhua River & Flood Control Monument

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby