The Aquarium 海洋馆 （Hǎi Yáng Guǎn）
The aquarium is located on the other side of the Song Hua River (opposite of Zhong Yang Street). Usually, I would not include a place so common as a zoo or aquarium in this blog for a couple of reasons. One is because I don’t think that many people would travel hundreds or even thousands of miles around the world to see a normal zoo or aquarium. Sorry, I just don’t see the point in that. The second reason is because many of the zoos and aquariums in China are not kept up well, so it becomes more of a downer to visit one these places.
However, the aquarium in Harbin is anything but common and was a very enjoyable experience. There are all sorts of Arctic animals there, that are difficult to see anywhere else in the world. The animals also seemed more natural in this aquarium (maybe due to the cold temperatures). There were Polar Bears, Beluga Whales, Penguins and several more animals distinct to subzero temperatures.
I would also definitely recommend staying for the shows, the Beluga Show was one of the best that I’ve ever seen. 👍
The aquarium is walking distance from Zhong Yang Street. It is about a 10-15 minute walk over the Song Hua River. You can also take a cab there but it will be a quick ride.
Must Do! The Sun Island 太阳岛 （Tài Yáng Dǎo）
This is one of the 2 reasons that you’ve come to Harbin. This is one of the place that would attract someone from hundreds or even thousands of miles away to come and visit Harbin. The Sun Island is just across the Song Hua River (from Zhong Yang Street) and about a 5 minute walk from the aquarium. On the Sun Island there is a park that contains unimaginable snow sculptures. These snow sculptures are made from famous snow artists around the world. At this time of the year they all come to Harbin to compete in a snow sculpture art competition. There really is no other word to describe the Sun Island park other than surreal.
You can reach the Sun Island park from Zhong Yang Street or the aquarium by walking. It is not a very far walk from either place. You could also take a cab there if you don’t want to walk there.
As you can see in the image above, most of the snow sculptures have a sign in front of them that states the name the artist gave to the snow sculpture and some of them will also have a ranking on it. I am not sure how many categories there are in this competition nor any of the details in specific.
Disney Character Snow Sculptures
There was definitely no shortage of Disney sculptures in Harbin.
Be aware of the fact that a ticket to get into the park on the Sun Island is something like 240 RMB, which is about 40 USD. That’s a lot to get into a park, however, this is The Destination. To miss going here is the same as missing half of Harbin altogether. Every year the snow sculptures will be different, so the sculptures you see one year will almost definitely not be there the following year.
Helpful Tip: Don’t forget your passport
I am unclear as to whether or not a passport is required to enter the park, however, if you have a passport and look as if you’re around the age of a college student you could receive a 50% discount off of the entrance ticket. You may also need a student I.D. Some places are more strict than other about that though. It is worth a shot, it costs you nothing to bring and could save you a lot.
Also, I am under the inclination that the purchase of a ticket is a one time entrance. I don’t think they will allow you to exit and reenter the park. That being said dress warm enough to last about a half day outside and be sure to bring a hot beverage or water in a thermos with you. You’ll want to spend as much time here as possible. It would be very unfortunate if you had to leave due to being to cold to stay outside.
How much time should you spend on the Sun Island?
I would recommend spending anywhere between 1/2 and an entire day in the Sun Island park. Also, this is definitely a place that would be better enjoyed during the daytime. Take advantage of the daylight and the warmest part to go to the Sun Island park and admire the snow sculptures.
International Kev 