1. How to Dress for Both Adults and Kids?
Traveling from the 20+ degrees Celsius warmth of Guangzhou to the minus 20-degree chill of Harbin can be quite a change. Dressing appropriately is essential, and here’s our recommended layering strategy for anyone making a similar trip:
Adults:
Top: Fleece-lined thermal underwear ➕ Cashmere sweater or thick sweater ➕ Uniqlo down vest ➕ Long down jacket
Bottom: Fleece-lined leggings ➕ Thick fleece pants or down pants
Kids:
Top: Fleece-lined thermal underwear (preferably with a high collar) ➕ Thin knit vest ➕ Lightweight cashmere sweater ➕ Fleece-lined sweater ➕ Down jacket
Bottom: Fleece-lined or thick thermal tights ➕ Thick fleece pants or down pants
⚠️ Tips: Make sure both adults and kids wear hats, ear muffs, and gloves (opt for fleece-lined, waterproof gloves to avoid getting wet while playing in the snow), as well as scarves and face masks. Layer a beanie under the down jacket’s hood to add warmth. My kid refused to wear a face mask, worried it would cover their face, and ended up with a red, cold little face—luckily, no frostbite occurred!
For footwear, thick socks and snow boots are essential. Avoid sneakers, as they’ll easily slip and cause falls on icy surfaces!
2. Where to Go and What to Do?
Our itinerary was planned for five days and four nights. With our young child and parents along, we skipped the longer, more strenuous trips, like skiing at Yabuli and the four-hour drive to Snow Village. Instead, we focused on a leisurely city-centered trip around Harbin, hitting all the must-see sites without rushing. If you’re traveling with both kids and older adults, consider following our relaxed and comfortable schedule:
Day 1:
Our flight arrived in Harbin at around 6 PM. After checking into our hotel and taking a brief rest, we headed to a local restaurant nearby, Shanhuntun, for their renowned iron pot stew. After dinner, we returned to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the next day.
Day 2:
Central Avenue ➕ Songhua River ➕ Stalin Park (these three sites are close to each other). There are many ice activities at Songhua River; we tried the dog sledding. In the evening, we explored the Zhonghua Baroque neighborhood and had dinner there—it’s packed with amazing food options!
Day 3:
Northeast Tiger Forest Park (about a 20-minute cab ride from Central Avenue; highly recommended!) ➕ Heilongjiang Museum (small but worth a visit on the way back into town). Later in the afternoon, we spent some time in Zhaolin Park, close to our hotel.
Day 4:
We strolled along Gogol Street in the morning. Originally, we planned to see the Snowmen at the Music Corridor, but they weren’t fully built yet, so we switched to visiting the Temple of Literature instead. Later, we went to Saint Sophia Cathedral for some photos.
Day 5:
We slept in, packed up, and took an afternoon flight back home.
Tips: Harbin is very cold during this season. We visited on November 28, and it was minus 20 degrees Celsius. Minimize outdoor time, especially with kids and seniors. We typically started our day at around 10 AM, returned to the hotel by 3 PM for a nap, and headed out again after 5 PM. Cold weather drains energy, so make sure to get plenty of rest and stay warm!
3. Harbin Food and Accommodations: Here’s a Summary for You!
Here’s a quick guide to Harbin’s best spots for food and lodging:
Where to Stay:
- Harbin Central Avenue Huate Hotel (St. Sophia Cathedral Branch)
Pros: Only a 50-meter walk from Central Avenue. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern. Great service and convenient location. The hotel has two wings with a small garden in between for building snowmen—a bit pricier, but worth it!
Address: No. 5, Shangyou Street, Daoli District, Harbin
Where to Eat:
- Shanhuntun Iron Pot Stew (Tongjiang Street Branch)
Only a 5-minute walk from our hotel, this place came highly recommended by local friends. Try their Iron Pot Stew with ribs and goose, along with side dishes like fried yellow croaker and Harbin red sausage.
Address: No. 178-6 Tongjiang Street, Daoli District, Harbin - Long Beer Black Pork Knuckle & Guobaorou (Nanerdao Street Branch)
We stumbled upon this restaurant in Zhonghua Baroque and found out it’s the #1 ranked spot there! Their black pork knuckle and Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork) are a must-try—tender, savory, and family-friendly.
Address: E7-03, Nanerdao Street, Zhonghua Baroque, Harbin - Zhang’s Dumplings (Daowai Branch)
A famous 120-year-old spot in Zhonghua Baroque known for freshly made dumplings in various fillings, such as pork and three treasures. These dumplings are juicy and filling, but watch out—their signature Luoshuandan dish is hit or miss.
Address: Northwest corner of Nanxun Street & Nanerdao Street, Harbin - Laochu Family Restaurant (Central Avenue Branch)
The top-ranked Northeast Chinese restaurant, with fourth-generation owners who appeared on national TV. We ordered small chicken with mushrooms, Di San Xian, shredded meat with La Pi, and stewed beans.
Address: 55-1 Xiqidao Street, 3rd floor of the Balas Food Market, Harbin - Tatou’s Western Restaurant (Central Avenue Branch)
Authentic Russian food with over a century of history. The restaurant’s decor and vibe take you back in time to old Russia. We tried their red borscht, braised shrimp, and signature dishes like braised shrimp and braised beef.
Address: No. 127 Central Avenue, Harbin
This concludes our food and lodging tips. In a few days, I’ll share a guide on what not to pack so you can travel lighter and avoid overpacking. Don’t forget to like, save, and follow for more updates!