Songhua River Cableway Harbin
Soar over the frozen Songhua River for breathtaking sunset views and a unique glimpse into Harbin's winter wonderland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the magical sunset glow
Songhua River Cableway Harbin
Best Time
Catch the magical sunset glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar over the frozen Songhua River for breathtaking sunset views and a unique glimpse into Harbin's winter wonderland.
"Short 5 minute ride across the river with some spectacular views."
🎟️ VIP Ticket Perks
Opt for VIP tickets (99 RMB one-way) to skip lines and enjoy a short 8D film.
🚶 Walk Across the River
Consider walking back across the frozen river for a unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Songhua River Sunset
Songhua River Cableway
Witness a breathtaking sunset painting the sky over the frozen Songhua River from your cable car.
Frozen River Spectacle
Songhua River
See locals enjoying winter activities like ice skating and car stunts on the frozen river below.
Panoramic City Views
Cable car cabin
Enjoy sweeping vistas of Harbin city and the vast Songhua River from the comfort of the cable car.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonders & Sunset Views
Navigating the Cableway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ VIP Ticket Perks
Opt for VIP tickets (99 RMB one-way) to skip lines and enjoy a short 8D film.
🚶 Walk Across the River
Consider walking back across the frozen river for a unique experience.
🌅 Sunset Ride
Catch the last ride back to witness a fabulous sunset over the frozen river.
🗺️ Navigate to the Top
Cable cars are on the 3rd floor; tickets are on the ground. Allow time to navigate shops and stairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ VIP Ticket Perks
Opt for VIP tickets (99 RMB one-way) to skip lines and enjoy a short 8D film.
🚶 Walk Across the River
Consider walking back across the frozen river for a unique experience.
🌅 Sunset Ride
Catch the last ride back to witness a fabulous sunset over the frozen river.
🗺️ Navigate to the Top
Cable cars are on the 3rd floor; tickets are on the ground. Allow time to navigate shops and stairs.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Experience the unique winter charm of Harbin and its frozen river activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Songhua River Cableway a worthwhile experience, especially for its spectacular sunset views and the unique spectacle of the frozen river. While the navigation to the boarding area can be a bit confusing, the short ride offers great value, with VIP tickets providing a way to skip lines and enjoy an extra film. Many recommend it for its scenic beauty and the chance to witness Harbin's winter life.
"Decently priced, we got the VIP ticket for 99rmb (One-Way) across the Songhua River. The VIP ticket includes a short 8D film experience (Rooftop) and be able to skip the line for the Gondola Lift (Level 3), you essentially pay extra to skip the line. Short 5 minute ride across the river with some spectacular views.
We also had a nice walk back across the river (15 minute walk) which was also a nice experience."
Kuan-Yu Chen
"Pretty well priced to catch the cable car back and forth over the Songhua river, the cable cars are located on the third floor and you have to navigate through a lot of shops and stairs before getting there. Tickets are purchased on the ground floors. We caught the last ride back across and managed to catch the sunset and fabulous views of the frozen river."
Luke Xu
"River frozen during winter. U can walk across to sun island and visit Russia Style town."
Sharon Fong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cableway connects Tongjian Square to Sun Island Scenic Area. You can reach the ticket area on the ground floor and then navigate to the third floor for the cable cars.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the cableway is a central attraction, suggesting accessibility via local transport. Taxis are also readily available in Harbin.
Yes, the cableway is located from Central Street to Sun Island, making it accessible for a stroll.
Follow signs for the cableway on the ground floor, then head up to the third floor where the boarding area is located.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but given its central location, street parking or nearby commercial lots might be available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way ticket is 60 RMB, and a round-trip ticket is 100 RMB. VIP tickets for one-way are 99 RMB and include an 8D film and line-skipping privileges.
Tickets are purchased on the ground floors of the cableway complex.
Yes, you can choose between one-way, round-trip, and VIP tickets, with VIP offering expedited boarding and an extra experience.
The VIP ticket includes a short 8D film experience and the ability to skip the regular queue for the gondola lift.
The cableway operates for a limited time before dusk, with the last ride back being a popular option for sunset views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The ride itself is a short 5 minutes across the river, offering spectacular views.
You'll get spectacular views of the frozen Songhua River, locals enjoying winter activities, and the city skyline.
Yes, the Songhua River is frozen solid in winter, allowing for unique activities on the ice.
During winter, when the river is frozen, you can walk across it to visit Sun Island and the Russian-style town.
Sun Island is a scenic area accessible via the cableway, offering winter fun and activities, especially during the Ice Festival.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon for sunset views and during winter to capture the frozen river and ice sculptures.
Absolutely! The panoramic views of the river and city are excellent for photography.
Capture unique shots of people ice skating, driving on the ice, and the vast expanse of the frozen waterway.
Yes, European-style castles are visible on both sides of the river, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
A tripod might be challenging in the moving cable car, but a steady hand or a compact camera with good stabilization will work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cableway itself is straightforward, navigating the shops and stairs to the third-floor boarding area might require some extra patience with little ones. The 8D film included with the VIP ticket can also be an entertaining diversion for kids.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most spectacular light. The cable car cabins provide a moving platform for panoramic cityscapes and river views, so be ready with your camera.
While shooting from a moving cable car can be challenging, the unique perspectives and the chance to capture Harbin's winter charm make it well worth the effort. 💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, you can also explore the areas around the cableway on foot. The views of the frozen river and the city from the banks are also impressive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Frozen Songhua River Experience
Witnessing the ice harvesting tradition, where workers cut large blocks of ice from the river for the famous Ice Festival, is a fascinating glimpse into local life.
Beyond the activities, the frozen river provides a stunning visual backdrop. The cable car ride offers a unique perspective on this icy expanse, especially as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the white landscape.
Navigating the Cableway and Ticket System
For those looking to save time, the VIP ticket is a worthwhile investment. For 99 RMB one-way, you can bypass the regular queues and also enjoy a short 8D film experience.
It's also important to be aware of the operating hours, as the cableway has a limited schedule, especially towards the end of the day. Catching the last ride back is a popular choice for those wanting to experience the sunset over the river.
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