Sun Island
太阳岛风景区
A river island park on the north bank of the Songhua River, home to the international snow sculpture expo in winter, and a traditional place for Harbin residents to escape the summer heat with picnics.
Sun Island is located on the north bank of the Songhua River, across from Central Street. It became famous through the song 'On Sun Island,' and it is a national 5A-rated scenic area. In winter, the main event is the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, which usually opens around December 20 and runs until the end of February. The park features hundreds of large snow sculptures, with the main sculpture often more than 30 meters tall, along with snow slides, snow mazes, and other activities. Visits are mainly during the day, complementing Harbin Ice and Snow World, which is best at night. The two are about 3 kilometers apart.
In summer, the island is a shaded wetland park with Sun Lake, Swan Lake, Squirrel Island, and a Russian-style village that preserves villas built by Russian emigrants. It also has Harbin Polar Land (penguins and polar bears, with a separate ticket).
Admission: The summer park is free, though some sub-attractions charge fees. The winter snow expo costs about 200 to 300 yuan. Getting there: Get off at Sun Island station on Metro Line 2. In summer, you can take a ferry across the river from the Flood Control Monument. In winter, some visitors walk across the frozen river.
Tips: Visit the snow expo in the morning and head to Harbin Ice and Snow World in the afternoon to see the lights come on.
Note: The snow expo area is open and windy, so dress warmly. The park is large, so in winter you can take the electric shuttle cars inside.
Opening hours
Summer 08:00–17:30; winter snow fair approx. 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Harbin Polarland
- Harbin Grand Theatre
- Siberian Tiger Park
- Stalin Park
- Songhua River & Flood Control Monument
- Hongzhuan Street Morning Market
- Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie)
- Laochujia Restaurant