Planning a trip to Harbin, China? You absolutely need to visit Ice and Snow World, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and blah blah blah. You will find those on every site when you search for things to do in Harbin. Trust me, I know — because I was doing the same thing before my trip. However, the most memorable parts of my trip weren’t on any of those websites. Here are my favorite hidden gems in Harbin.
Try the Traditional Medicinal Ice Cream
During my trip, I befriended some locals who told me it’s tradition to eat the famous Ice Cream when you’re in Harbin. My first thought was obviously, it’s -15 degrees and you want me to eat ice cream? However, my curiosity was piqued, and I didn’t know when I’d have the chance to participate in this tradition again. So, I decided to try the ice cream before leaving Harbin.
On my last day in Harbin, I went in search of the famous ice cream. Without the locals’ guidance, though, I wasn’t sure which ice cream was the famous one. I stopped at the general area where I thought I saw it last time. There was a long line for an ice cream shop, and after translating the shop’s sign, it read “Traditional Chinese Medicinal Ice Cream.” Of course, this had to be it! So I waited in line for 40 minutes to buy it.
And I have to say, it was DELICIOUS! I didn’t know what to expect from medicinal ice cream, I was scared it would taste like actual medicine, but I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t say if it cured anything, but I can say that it was a tasty treat.
Funny story: after I looked it up later, I found out the famous ice cream in Harbin is actually Madier Ice Cream. Whoops! Still, I don’t regret trying the medicinal one — it’s a unique memory and a fun story to tell.
Address: 黑龙江省哈尔滨市道里区西九道街与中央大街交口
Stop by the Coffee Shop Across from Saint Sophia Cathedral
If you plan on touring the Saint Sophia Cathedral (which I highly recommend you do), then I suggest going in the morning. While you’re there, grab a coffee at Corner Coffee, the shop directly across from the Cathedral. The way the morning sun illuminates the Cathedral is breathtaking. Paired with a nice cup of coffee and a croissant, it was a moment that I’ll always cherish.
But Corner Coffee’s charm doesn’t just stop with a beautiful view of the Cathedral. Towards the back of the shop, there’s a little station where customers can write notes on Harbin-themed postcards and hang them on the wall.
Reading the cute notes from people all over the world was a wonderful start to my day. Leaving behind my own note was even better. Knowing that new visitors will come to the shop and read my note is heartwarming. It’s proof that I was there, that I existed, and that I got to experience Harbin.
So if you’re planning on visiting the Saint Sophia Cathedral, I recommend stopping by Corner Coffee. Even if you don’t buy a cup of coffee, stop by to leave a note, take in the view, and just take in how amazing it is that you’re there.
Address: 黑龙江省哈尔滨市道里区石头道街与兆麟街交叉口东80米. The coffee shop will be upstairs.
Do Some Arts and Crafts on Zhongyang Street
This hidden gem was in fact a result of pure happenstance. While exploring Central Street, I desperately needed a bathroom. I wandered into a random building and, after asking an employee, found one on the fourth floor. On my way out, I saw an area full of pottery, canvases, handmade jewelry, and several other arts and crafts materials. I had stumbled upon a DIY Workshop.
As a DIY lover, I immediately asked what crafts were available. I spent an hour painting a planet lamp and had a blast. It was an unexpected and memorable experience. Some other options they offered were rug tufting, painting pottery, jewelry making, and many more. What better souvenir than one you made yourself?
Address: 黑龙江省哈尔滨市道里区中央大街66号(中央大街地铁站1号口步行290米) This is the building I entered. Head to the fourth floor and it should be there.
Eat Hotpot in an Igloo
Since you are likely going to Harbin for Ice & Snow World, while you’re there be sure not to skip the hotpot restaurant they have there. After hours of exploring the stunning ice sculptures and freezing in below-zero temperatures, there’s nothing better than warming up with a delicious meal.
Admittedly, you could go to the food hall and be warm while you eat your meal. But the hotpot is more than a feast for your taste buds, it’s a unique experience. Sitting in an igloo-like setting, surrounded by frosty walls, adds a magical touch to the meal that’s just incomparable. I suggest going early to avoid long lines and to beat the nightly cold.
Address: 黑龙江省哈尔滨市松北区松北大道西侧
Talk to the Locals
One of the best parts of my trip to Harbin was connecting with locals. Many are incredibly friendly and willing to help.
As soon as I arrived at my hostel, the girls in my room started a conversation with me. Of course, it was a choppy conversation since I barely speak Chinese and they barely speak English. We communicated through facial expressions and Google Translate, but we made it work.
As it turns out, we were all planning on going to Ice and Snow World the next day. So we decided to go together. That evening, they showed me around Central Street, helped me shop for souvenirs, and were the ones who introduced me to the tradition of eating the famous ice cream. The next day, they helped me buy my tickets online, took pictures for me, and made the whole day so much fun. We went on the Ferris wheel, down the slides, and to the hotpot restaurant.
On my last day, after struggling to buy the ‘famous’ ice cream on Central Street, a kind local who spoke English helped me. She even paid for the ice cream when my payment wouldn’t work and refused to accept my money in return.
My whole visit to Harbin was made special by the locals I met. If it wasn’t for them, I would have missed out on a lot of things. I wouldn’t have known how to queue for the Ferris wheel or how to buy my tickets online. I wouldn’t have gotten to eat the delicious TCM ice cream. They helped me navigate, introduced me to traditions, and gave me a glimpse of daily life in Harbin. So don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation — it might just make your trip unforgettable.
Address: Build up the courage and just start talking to someone!
Final Thoughts
Harbin is famous for its grand attractions, but what made my trip memorable were the unexpected moments and hidden gems. From eating medicinal ice cream to crafting a DIY souvenir, my time in Harbin was filled with unique experiences I’ll never forget.
When you visit, I hope you take the time to explore beyond the guidebooks and discover your own hidden gems. You never know what special memories you’ll create.