A Trip To Harbin #4 Harbin Sun Island

HARBIN BACKPACKING TRIP #4

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I wish Salam to everyone,

Yesterday we have bought the Train tickets to Yabuli Town. Today's plan was to go skiing at Yabuli Ski Resort, in chinese known as Yabuli Huaxue Luyou Dujia Qu 亚布力滑雪旅游度假区

So, this morning we made our move for Harbin East Train Station to get on board Train K7047 departed from Harbin East Train Station 哈尔滨东 morning at 7:17 a.m.

From the hotel we had to walk to the nearest subway station. We then took the first subway train at Bowuyuan Subway Station to Hadong Zhan. Hadong Zhan subway station is located adjacent to Harbin East Train Station. Just a few steps away from the subway station.



THE DISAPPOINTING SKIING TRIP

It took about 20 minutes to get from Bowuyuan Subway Station to Harbin East Train Station.

There are three or four entrances are always crowded with passengers at Harbin East Train Station. Here the queue wasn't in nice order since everyone was trying to be in front.

Make sure to protect your bags from pickpocket who always taking a chance in the bustle of people many. Upon completion of the inspection of bags, we went into the hall waiting for the large. There were no English announcements, but numbers trains, waiting rooms and platforms appear on electronic display signboard in middle station to wait 30 minutes before departure.

In the train search our seats since all passengers sit according to designated coach and seat number. The coach was at once then had to walk quite a distance. If you are a traveler on a budget, such as us better to choose soft seat. I just look out the window and view of God's creation. Train travel smoothly through the forest and small town shrouded in thick snow. Unusually beautiful scenery it certainly made us admire the greatness of God's creation.

Through glass windows and looked down and saw snow.

The views from the wide glass window presents the image of a quiet rural atmosphere. The image is colored gray, the trees are bare, brick houses solidly hold the wind has eroded all the leaves. An average house brick high fenced to withstand the wind. The remaining snow is still visible here and there. The grass had been yellowed all barren atmosphere in winter.

We were given incorrect information about the name of the train station we have arrived at, during the journey by K7047 Train, that was why we didn't get off the train when it arrived in Yabuli. Misinformation.Synonymous as mislead, misdirect. Therefore, we got off the next train station.

We later found out this station was Hailin Train Station.

There is a saying in Malay, Padi ditanam tumbuhnya lalang, it means unlucky. The outcome of an effort ended up being defective or worthless. This was different than what we had planned or expected. So, don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

We were so frustrated that we straight away bought the tickets at that Train Station where we got off, to return to Harbin. Were not succesful in going to Yabuli for the skiing trip. Very disappointed.

Got on T18 Train Hailin 海林 15:41 and arrived in Harbin 哈尔滨 20:58

"Best Day of My Life" is a song by American indie rock band American Authors....... Perhaps not on this day. Perhaps tomorrow would turn out to be a better day (of my life).



21 Jan THURSDAY (DAY 7)


Take bus 16 from Beijing Street and got off at a bus stop along Sidalin Street in front of Swan Castle 天鹅城堡. We continued walking to towards Tongjiang Street 通江街 until we arrived at Stalin Park.

From Stalin Park we walked on the frozen songhua jiang river to get across to Taiyang Dao scenic spot.


WALK ON RIVER SONGHUAJIANG

Exploring the scenery along the Songhua River very common, but there is a crossing. River water The spacious fully frozen with a thickness of one meter. Temperatures very cool cause our toes and fingers numb and throbbing. After an hour, we walked back to hotel with step crippled due to fatigue and chills. Our stop by for a relaxing dinner and warm spirit that almost frozen.


HARBIN SUN ISLAND INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCULPTURE ART EXPO 2016
SUN ISLAND

The sculptors transform snow into a winter wonderland. Some snow art exhibits are as big as 5 storey building.

I got off at Fanghong Jinian Ta Bus Stop and walked to Stalin Park in front of Sun Island

Sun Island Scenic Area in winter, it is a place attracting visitors from all over the world to see ice vivid sculptures on the islands. Take bus No. 29 to Sun Island Station. At this time, it is the biggest snow theme park in China. Various entertainments about ice and snow will be held.
Recommended visiting hours: 3 hours. Ticket price: 240元. Location: on the north bank of Songhua river (in the west side of Sun Island). The Ice sculptures in here are portrayed international Ice Art. There are the highest, longest, biggest and most famous ice sculptures in here. Outdoor large scale live performance, dancing and singing performance and acrobatic show on stage. Activities including big slide, climb the ice castles, ice mazes will make visitors happily play. At night, when colorful lights open, this world is just like a fairy tale world. People in China say it, "if you have not been to Sun Island, means that you have never been to Harbin."

Tourist information centre (????Shuige Yuntian)

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province in the far northeast of mainland China, which shares a border with Russia. Harbin is famous for its weather is super cool, here every year Ice and Snow Festival was held in December to January. At times that's the coldest weather, and that's precisely the best time to visit Harbin.

Because it is close to Russia, Harbin has many elements of Russia that became its merchandise products, particularly in the area of downtown's Zhongyang Street and surrounding areas, the architecture still left from the period of Western Renaissance. The atmosphere here is indeed a bit like Europe because of its architecture, plus a super cold weather adds to the feel of sensation… the place where I came from, when it rains all day long, got stuck at home and have nothing else to do… sits on the floor while eating boiled tapioca with roasted salted fish in small plate and dipping it in sambal, this sort of sensation when I was a boy growing up in a small village. People born in other countries may have encountered different feeling of sensation. In fact, the sensation feeling in Harbin was even better than what we have ever felt before.

Since on the train heading for Harbin, even from the Dalian railway station at waiting to Harbin, started to feel a bit different, from the side of its people. Harbin more friendly people and good (compared to our previous visit Beijing City that were a bit stiff), Harbin more friendly, more care for the others. In addition it began also looks caucasian faces, white, high nose, and eyes like a Russian doll.

One of the most frequently asked questions to me about this trip was, how it was minus 20 degrees Celsius.

When the train arrived in Harbin almost people start preparing. Thick-thick jackets that since morning removed now began to wear again. There is made with a layer of thick wool, some of the material is wool, or feather. Various equipment adequate winter protection can be seen here. Thick scarves. Gloves. And not less important is the mask to cover the mouth and nose. In short, there cannot be the slightest opening, leaving only the two eyes to see.

That lyric from a well-known Malaysian Blues Group “Blues Gang” in their song “Apo Nak Dikato”, the lyric goes, “…tengah hari tengah panas..”. The winter here, even at mid-noon the temperature would still be below zero.

The temperature in the train at the time it was minus 24° Celsius. In the room closed and public vehicles in the winter are often given a heating facility to reduce the harshness of life in winter.

Therefore when stepping out of a warm to train outdoors temperature is minus 20° Celsius, it was like stepping into the freezer to freeze meats. My glasses were foggy and directly covering the view. Everyone’s mouth and nose would give-out vapor. It’s really chilly!

Really cold, shouldn't spend too long outdoors. Soon only people running around exit stations (which is still very busy at 23.30) and looked for a taxi. Here have formed long queues and I am grateful that it didn’t long for my turn.

We got in a taxi and interestingly here is we can share a taxi with others that are in line with our destination. So if there's been a passenger in the taxi, we can still intercept, then the driver will ask our destination, if he would be willing to accept direction from us. This way taxi fare is becoming more expensive, and not based on meter. After a few days in Harbin, I observe that this may be caused by a lack of supply of taxis than any that need it, resulting in a solution like this.

We stay not far from the Central Street, is arguably the best area is in Harbin. Just a few minutes already up in the St. Sophia Church are famous. Just walk along the Central Street of fun alone is enough, no need to any more. Here is the center of the crowd, the center of the Association of young children, a place where people watching people. Many stores that are interesting to visit, many events are held. Architecture around the charming, also adorned the trees along the way. At a time when the venue of the Ice and Snow Festival, there are many sculptures made of ice. There is a statue of Marylin Monroe, a miniature living room, sculpture-sculpture in the shape of the writing, and much more. At night more beautiful because there are colorful lights. We can also sit on the chairs of the ice is and will not be wet because the ice doesn't melt at temperatures as cool as this. It reminded me that the ice was solid.

In weather as cool as the most important of these is the complement of our bodies with adequate clothes. Every want to get out of the hotel it was like leaving the war. Make sure all the equipment is complete, let no body parts are open. For example, the nose can be painful when it is not closed. As well as the ears, the lips will always be dry. Use moisturizer lotion since air tend to be dry. I'm also wearing underwear thermal warmed. Plus suits, sweaters, and jackets, the total could reach 5 layers, no wonder we would look fat - many things that were stuffed under the winter jactet made us look like the Michelin man.

At the end of Central Street have Stalin Park which also became one of the tourist attractions. The Park is located on the bank of the famous Songhua River. At the time of our visit to Harbin, the river has dried up completely. Not the slightest mention of water left, that there is only ice and snow remaining, people play ice skating in the area on the River takes the form of another season.

When night comes the eagerly awaited moment came when visiting the Ice and Snow World. The exhibits range from ice and snow carving on a large scale is one of the main attractions of Harbin. Therefore, although it was rather expensive entry tickets for us (300?) would be a shame when we missed it. Already all the way up to Harbin's ... either when it will be back here again.

Ice and Snow World, it turns out that you won’t be disappointed paying 300? to see colorful beauty in the ice. For those who have never touched snow, here there are many. Unfortunately, it is very unfortunate because during this trip we didn't find it snowed, just got fragments just above the ground.

Ice and Snow World, of its name might be a bit daunting for people who are afraid of the cold. But not to worry, because it turns out here too much room (indoor) is provided so that if it can't stand too long in the pool, can seek out the warmth in a building. Similarly, around the city of Harbin. We usually can't stand too long in the outdoors, the maximum between 1 and 2 hours, we had to enter, into a building, otherwise need to get in a vehicle, a bus or subway coach perhaps. Here the buildings were provided with heating facility, so no need to worry.

Ice sculptures carved in the shape of buildings, archway and vases on display at the roadside in Harbin

After a walk in the cold time in Harbin on our first night there, we've tweaked our body's resistance level at a temperature of -30 ° C. From there we can prepare for the next day. Tomorrow we will visit the Sun Island and Ice and Snow World, which is a concentration of people and that we wanted to go.

So keep on reading my backpacking trip to Harbin and watch a surprise that we experienced while in Ice City extreme cold temperatures of -30°C.

Sun Island Snow Sculpture Cold and Full. The second morning at City Ice Harbin gave new impetus to my backpack travel. This is because the new atmosphere, extreme cold, long nights and short afternoon. The next temperature of about -20°C, -17°C midday and evening temperatures down to -30°C.

After wearing a thick, layered, thick gloved hands, boots with thick soles and a foothold grip. The streets were very slippery and I'm very careful running scared of slipping. Sometimes also slipped and almost fall. This is because I stepped on a floor made of marble. So since then, when walking, I'm always looking down and avoid stepping on the marble floor.

To Sun Island and Challenges. We are going to Sun Island this morning. People say, if you have never been to the Sun Island, it means you really have has never been to Harbin. Sun Island is located in the north of the Songhua River and measures 38 square meters. It is an urban resort in the summer vacation. In winter, snow Sun Island exhibit that has been shaped and carved with great artistry. It is a popular and very popular. Apart from seeing snow sculptures, we can go skiing, on skiing snow and see the beauty of the gardens and mountains there.

Arriving at Sun Island, the cold is felt. Lips and nose feels too cold and dry. I close with fur muffler. Lid and lid child I used two coats, socks 4 layers and two layers of gloves. But my fingers froze. I fear will be exposed to "frost bite" or some call it "frost bite" and that endanger my health. "Snow / frost bite" this can make the blood does not run, nerves froze, fingers off and we can topple. I see gloves and boots sellers for extreme temperatures this business outside the entrance of Sun Island. The boots then buy shoes that are sold there so he does not slip.

The ticket was 240? for entering the Sun Island. Bridge, snow and frozen river at Sun Island.
My problem is that I wear glasses, so when I wear fur muffler to cover my mouth and nose from becoming hard and dry, air breathed out from the mouth rose up and the moisture obscured my glasses, so I do not see anything. I've tried to wipe a few times, but fog still cover my glasses. So I give up, and do not shut me up again. When my lips taste like cold, then I cover with my gloves, then release again. Foggy on the glasses. But before this I never thought it would be a problem to me.

My problem is another to take pictures because gloves were thick, difficult to even hold the camera. The camera lens was always foggy and always wipe affected. In this extreme cold weather cameras are easy hours, so touched always hidden in his jacket. This was demonstrated when 30 minutes I took the picture without saving it in a jacket, Digital SLR camera I've started to glisten with ice and glazed on the lens and the display screen. I think my SLR camera will not be long life because I take good care less.

When we had come to the Sun Island, we see many snow sculptures were carved beautifully. Its really a sight for sore eyes. Ah! Fortunately the eyeballs didn't get frozen into ice cubes.

Different shapes of snow sculptures there. There are big ones. There are high. There are forms of traditional houses. No form of famous characters. There are also contested. There are also exhibited only.

In Sun Island is also available Service Centre, toilets, souvenir shops, stalls, skiing, dog sledding, ski scooter, mountain and forest. When I feel I'm getting frostbitten hands and worry will be exposed to frost bite then better get into a Service Centre building. There I warm my hands and my fingers with the hand dryer at the toilet area.

When satisfied look beautiful snow sculptures and experience the extreme cold temperatures of exhaustion.
Now we headed out to Daowai Masjid, the biggest mosque in which is located in the proximity of the Old Harbin district. The guide gave me only 15 minutes as he tries to rush through the day. Since it was in the morning, it was quite peaceful. Although, it isn’t as big as I thought but still impressive. This is one of the best place in hands down. Very peaceful with large areas for you to walk around. I wish I had more time here, unfortunately the guide only gave me 15 minutes and he said I might not be able to see every places if I was not on time.

Visit the Ice Snow World, You will stunned when you see this from afar and walking towards it.
Here’s the thing about traveling solo, I can do whatever I want. I just sat on the side enjoying the view of the river and people walking and talking for hours. It was one of the most peaceful moment I had been. A great break from a busy city.

This place is very underwhelming. It looks huge in photos but it actually is a very small building on the side of the road. I didn’t go inside since the next destination excited me more.

There’s something about the design of doors in that really caught my attention. You can almost always find a unique detail of each doors around . So mesmerising.

Approximately 2 hours we spent time in Sun Island Park. Out of the main entrance and continue to Harbin Polarland located opposite the Sun Island.


POLARLAND
Harbin Polarland offers visitors the opportunity to see all sorts of animals living in cold climate areas near artic and antartic.

Harbin Polarland located near main entrance of Sun Island Snow Sculpture. Central Street (Zhongyang Street), St. Sophia Church.

Harbin Polarland this is the first theme park scenes of polar land in China. Admission is 130Y per pax.  The shoupiaoyuan girl at ticket counter was so attractive. She was not a snob for not wanting to speak but she was too shy.

Harbin Polarland ni, we may experience life polar region. Through large glass display for each animal, we can see clearly among the pure penguin family of South Polar. The polar bear brothers and also a seriously large and very active.

Difficult want to take pictures penguin. And this is the polar bear under the brothers; sekor red shy sister sekor active again. Swank brother when many visitors not take pictures of him. Posing cute! Best hugs bring to sleep.  I played just a little. Because he was cool! . But was cute.  Here there are also wild arctic wolves was first introduced in Asia and like to sleep all day and also arctic fox brothers who love to run on running machine, while the other one was lazy to run. Tried my best tap on glass wake him up. Which is cute right. If only I can hold them.

Show of dolphins in Harbin pole aquarium
Beluga or white whale show in China's Harbin Polar Land
Show playing of sea lions, seals, sea-ox and more animals in China Harbin Polarland
Exciting white whale or beluga show in China Harbin Polar Land Aquarium
Polar bears in Harbin Polarland
Penguin breeding or raising in Harbin Polar Land China
Harbin Polar land is the most professional one of its kind in China.
The Pole Aquarium consists of Fisherman Wharf, Whale Bay, Penguin Island of South Pole, Homeland of North Pole Animals, Arctic of Lapland, Happy Sea Lion Kingdom and some other interesting attractions.
Harbin Pole Aquarium is the first polar land themed park combining animal shows, polar land sights and an interactive experience into one.

Covering an area of 16,000 square meters, located at the famous scenic site—Sun Island in Harbin city, the Harbin Pole Aquarium (also called Harbin Polar land) is one of the four major scenic areas of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

Harbin Polarland Dolphin Show attracts lots of visitors.

And most thrill is polar land animal show that performance presented by walrus. The walrus show didn’t take a long time already and trainers are very friendly to the animal and also tourist. Pool was big. Some of the show here in China and there are also translation in Russian. But our jaws dropped, mouth open wide!
Here also may be seen by White whales show, also called Beluga Whale that has been trained very very well. Show only available at certain times je ie at 1, 3 and 5 pm. So make sure you do not miss out because this is one of the best show in Harbin Polarland.

Why I see how such a dolphin aa? Having a good time watching the feel of the show. Ready tide titanic song! The whale is undescribably cute laa! Cleverly tu. Feeling like hold stroked je. Best when I saw whale trainer ni follow the instruction of the cause, the kind of love is very near their own trainers. Follow je they get her to do anything, ready to hug and kiss-kiss. In addition, there are also glass in the show once large aquarium which houses various species of fish and marine animals such as sharks. And there is also a jellyfish on a glass display in the direction of the exit. Many reviews say when you're here there will be a mix of feelings. I feel sure enough tu review. It was enjoyable to look at the rare polar creatures, but at the same time very sad to see a narrow confined area! While the best performance and very great, but the place is really small je actually. There is such an animal that big. Indeed pity when I saw 2 beluga share a narrow tank. There seems to want to swim freely everywhere. The same with the other animals. How should they exaggerated this place little free space.

Both beluga whales were huge and unspeakable cute.

I am unable to be expressed in words of the show how deep it touched my heart.


The show was affectionate and gave me the feeling of strong emotions.


The Beluga show at Harbin's Polarland

Stunning underwater show with 2 belugas and 2 performers at Polarland, Harbin

Some fantastic animals on show but enclosures were too small. The belugas were stunning and their performance was amazing.


Loved the Baluga whales dancing to the Titanic theme song. The tanks were of course far too small, but that is expected from acquariums.


The polarland park is located on Sun Island near the Snow and Ice exhibition areas. But it is small compared to other larger attractions of the same kind elsewhere.

The main reason for coming here is to see the Beluga show. This 10-minute show is the highlight of the experience of visiting as the cute faces of the intelligent pair of beluga whales perform with their human minders. One thing is to come early to get a good standing position to watch the performance. Don't miss it or else it would be as if you did not come.

There is also a sea lion show, though it was a little less exciting than the Beluga one. For the rest of the aquarium it is informative and similar to others around the world.


the shows are entertaining


There are two shows - a sea lion show which was quite fun (though a bit cheesy) but requiring understanding of Mandarin to follow. The beluga show is clearly the highlight - two divers 'dancing' in the water with two beautiful beluga whales. Really has to be seen to be believed. Amazing. Shows are at set times - so check. I rate 5 stars for the beluga show.


We had an absolutely fantastic day at Harbin Polarland. We got in at around 10am and left at about 12:30. I probably could have lingered even longer. I was really charmed by the presentation of the place, each of the rooms is decorated really nicely, with lots of kitsch and trinkets.

You might see on the website that they have free storage available. We made the mistake of thinking this meant a locker like at the science and technology museum. Actually all they had was a section behind the counter where some people had left suitcases and larger bags. We asked if they could take our hats/scarves etc but they said no. I am glad I didn't take a backpack as this would have been a serious inconvenience to lug around all day. Polarland is set out so that you walk through from room to room. At one point - rushing to catch a show - we were concerned that we might not be able to revisit rooms. Actually do not worry about this, you are free to go back as often as you like. Even once you arrive at the end you can pop right back to the very start (just don't leave the building). There are lots of cute souvenirs available, especially stuffed toys. These are quite expensive though. Surprisingly, you can also buy hot drinks and food from more than one location, too!

We arrived a half an hour early for the beluga whale show and it was already very crowded. No chance of getting a seat - there are only a few and these are really reserved for the children. There is a staircase which was as packed as a metro at peak hour. We stood up near the side and looked in-beween children on shoulders and people holding cameras up into the air. Despite this, I really enjoyed the beluga show. Very talented animals and trainers. The theme is quite weird though - the whales "fall deeply in love" with their trainers, and share "romantic" kisses to the Titanic soundtrack. The show goes for about 10 minutes. I am afraid I do not have any advice on how to make the most of it except maybe find a child to take to the show and sit down with him or her in the stands a good half hour early?

The sea-lion show has loads more seats but it could easily pack out on a busy day. I would go as soon as possible after the whale show and wait to get in and get a seat. Don't worry about missing lunch, actually while you sit in the theatre waiting for it to start staff come in with trays of hot food and icecreams that you can buy and eat there.

A highlight for me was actually the carp. The first room you enter has large tanks of goldfish and huge carp. You can buy a baby bottle of watery fish food for 15 yuan and feed it to the fish! They will come up to you and suck out of the bottle. Loads of fun. You can also buy food for the seals (also 15 yuan) and feed them while they do tricks for you. To be honest the seal enclosure creeped me out a bit and I was worried that the seals looked like they had eye infections. No need to say anymore about polarbears and arctic fox enclosures as other reviewers have mentioned this.

Overall, really great experience. Not a large place but really well presented (albeit with some questionable animal quality of life issues) and lots of talent displayed in the shows. I really recommend it.


Love the beluga show!

The beluga show is one of its kind in the world where there was amazing chemistry between the beluga and their trainers!


The beluga show is - as most people say - outstanding. Come early before viewing time and go to the lower level below the surface! Also stay for a few minutes after the show - the divers sometimes make some extra practice rounds with the whales.

There are some fishes to be seen and penquins, polar bears etc. The big bears, for example, are living in really small gages so many of us my start to feel only sad when seeing them. The best parts are sea lion and beluga shows. Better to be there wel in advance to pick up a good seat for sea lion show and good view (standing) for beluga show. Beluga show can be seen both above and below the surface. Above the surface (upstairs) there is not that much to see especially if you are not in the first row, so better to go downstairs to watch it.


can see everything in 1,5-2h. They have show for sea lion 11.00,13.00 and 15.00 o'clock and beluga whale show 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00 o'clock. The shows are crowded and no chance to get a seat.

Positive:
My favorite was beautiful beluga show, very very god! I also loves the jelly fish light installation. A lot to see there, also good for kids.

Negative:
White wolf and his babies looked very sad: the small cell includes a fake snow landscape made of plastic - can't image that has anything to do with their natural living areas.
Also big ice best was lying depressed in his cell, I did not even want to made a picture of this pure animal.

All in all:
Nice place to see. Just hope all the entrance money would be more used to provide more natural animal cells.

We went to the information centre for tourists, in search for directions to the Polarland, and found out that they were organising local tours intended for locals, offering slightly cheaper tickets and free transport from Central Street to and fro Polarland and the Ice and Snow World. We bought the whole package including Polarland and Ice and Snow World.

One bad thing was that they always had to wait for enough people to start the trip, but once we had enough participants, everything went smoothly.

Polarland is actually not big, but somehow they managed to create multiple floors (slightly like the Kaiyukan in Osaka) to exhibit the animals. Highlights were the Beluga Whales, Polar Bears, Penguins, Seal show etc. You have to get a ticket to watch the seal show, (price included in the ticket), but we ran out of time so we didn't watch it. We did, however, watch the beluga show, which was sweet and they managed to bring a symphony of music and actions!

One sad thing was that the exhibits looked a bit like it was lacking housekeeping at times, and the space for the polar bear did look a bit small for its size... Otherwise, this place isn't a bad attraction, and is especially fun for families with kids!


Amazing!

It's a must see. Observing tigers in their natural environment can be quite exciting. After taking a bus ride the guide take you to same cages when you can feed tigers.

Worth a visit

Polar land is just a few metres from the Snow carving exhibition so can easily combine the visits.

The Beluga whales were great, penguins cute, but the polar bears did seem distressed. The Aquarium is well set up and full of signs in English, and different shows throughout the day.

I'm glad I visited - allow 2 hours at Polar Land (inside & heated), after 3 hours at snow carving exhibition.

it was located opposite to a park. it was in a huge building, with walrus and seal show. , i think the interesting part was the beluga show. and like its name after there was 2 huge polar bear in it.

Nicely laid out aquarium with a good variety of animals and fish. They seemed well cared for as far as we could see. Very large crowds for both he seal and beluga show and if you want a seat make sure to get there well before the show is scheduled to start.

highlight was the show involving beluga whales which was pretty interesting and worthwhile to watch.

belugas puff rings our of their nozzle. They are super cute! small aquarium, but definitely a must see while you are in Harbin

The main attraction of the Polar Land is the Beluga Show. It is beautifully choreographed on the song 'My heart will go on' and the two Belugas dance around like children in a playground.

It's a cross between a zoo and an aquarium; and that makes it unique in its own way.

As it's already well-described by many, I shall offer some tips if you love to see/photograph artic animals like polar bears, snow wolves, snow foxes....and the lovely and ever-active belugas - watch out for them at their own exhibit area as well as the theatre.

Top of the list is to go early; I started at 9am when it opens. Some taxi has a rmb5 discount coupon whilst they gain points. Follow the flow of exhibits; there's no need to rush as the place is quite small. You may also return to previous exhibits at the beluga theatre (look for the stairs) and before the exit.

The beluga show is a major highlight (first show at 10am); so be sure to reserve your best standing seat (avoid ground level) at least 30mins before show time... it's one of the most "romantic" animal-performances I've ever seen; definitely well worth the wait!

On the other hand, do not go too early for the walrus-seal show unless you intend to have a munch at your seat with the rest of the crowd before the show starts. Mobile vendors aplenty will try to sell food/ice-cream/drinks up until the show's about to start. Be forewarned and time yourself.

As mentioned, this place is unique...worth spending your 2-3 hours there!

Polarland for adults is boring unless you are into sea lion and beluga performances. The marine themed park houses a small number of animals, such as snow foxes, penguins, fish, jelly fish, etc. The 2 shows mentioned above were jammed packed. The staff basically allowed everyone through the door until the arena was crammed full.


I've seen polar bears and numerous aquariums in the world and was hesitant in coming here. But after watching the Beluga whale show, I'm glad I came. They put on the best sea animal show I have ever seen and I am still in awe as to how they train the Beluga to perform certain stunts. And the movements choreographed to the Titanic theme song was beautiful. This show is worth the admission and you could enjoy the other aquarium exhibits as well... But be warned: Go to the Beluga whale show plenty early as the seating area is Very small…

memorable White Whale and Sea lion show

Wonderful show that amazes the audience of how they actually train these lovely animals. The show is one on a life time for me.

The Beluga show was truly amazing and moving. Beluga is a such beautiful animal and I have seen them in other aquariums but never watched a Beluga show. Being able to see them performing with the trainers was unreal. It is worth going to this aquarium just for the Beluga show. We loved the show so much that we stayed on and watched it twice. I simply wish these beautiful animals can get a bigger tank one day.

The Walrus show was fun too but if you don't understand Chinese, you probably miss half of the fun.

The main attractions are the Sea Lion Show and the Underwater White Whale performances. The Sea Lion show is full of fun and will amuse the whole family including the children.

The Underwater White Whale performances are beautiful and romantic. This is the only place in China (perhaps in the world) that you can watch such underwater performances. When you arrive there first check the next performance time schedule so that you will not miss it. It’s a great opportunity to watch and appreciate the beauty and intelligence of the two white whales – surely you will like it. By the way it is just next to the Sun Island Park, so you should not miss it.

a lot of improvements. Of course, there's a lot more to be done, mostly with the infrastructure of the building. The walls must be painted, and it would be great if the tanks/pools got more space. It is sad to see huge polar bears and belugas confined in such small pools.

The tanks seem to be well-maintained, a new big fish tank has been introduced with a lot of fishes, including one shark. For families and kids, it's a nice place, however it is difficult not to think about the biggest animals and their small pools.

The beluga show needs an improvement about all the aspects. The pool wall is in bad condition, it is small for two whales, the "auditorium" gets overcrowded during the presentation.

The walrus show is better! The pool is bigger, the presentation doesn't take long, and the trainers/handlers are friendly to the animal.

The beluga show is in Chinese and the walrus show, besides Chinese, there is some translation for Russian.

If you are in Harbin, it is a must-see spot.

the sealion show did impress me. they were really fast and smart but do wonder how they tolerated the loud music and lights.

good place to warm up in between outdoor activities. (located close to the snow sculptures). the belugas were very close to their trainers.

are concerned about the size of some of the displays being to small. That maybe true, however, visiting it to support it will definitely provide the funds to expand.

We loved the Beluga whale and Sea Lion shows.

Truly well done. It is next to the Snow World on Sun Island and the Ice and Snow Festival.

Harbin Polarland is the place where tourists can find polar bears, penguins, sea lions, whales and some animal that live in the artic. The beluga whale show was very nice and was very tender and cute to see the whales face... cannot imagine such huge animal with such cute face.

The polarland park is located on Sun Island near the Snow and Ice exhibition areas. But it is small compared to other larger attractions of the same kind elsewhere.

The main reason for coming here is to see the Beluga show. This 10-minute show is the highlight of the experience of visiting as the cute faces of the intelligent pair of beluga whales perform with their human minders. One thing is to come early to get a good standing position to watch the performance. Don't miss it or else it would be as if you did not come.

There is also a sea lion show, though it was a little less exciting than the Beluga one. For the rest of the aquarium it is informative and similar to others around the world.


good animal exhibits - polar wolf, polar bears, penguins, seals (though was a bit sad to see these magnificent animals in such cooped up homes. Polarland appears to be striving for a Disney feel with different themes as you walk through sections - to the extent of playing Disney theme music (Finding Nemo etc).

There are two shows - a sea lion show which was quite fun (though a bit cheesy) but requiring understanding of Mandarin to follow. The beluga show is clearly the highlight - two divers 'dancing' in the water with two beautiful beluga whales. Really has to be seen to be believed. Amazing.

I enjoyed myself at Harbin Polarland and its time to head back to the hotel.

Please follow us on our journey in China. To continue to my next blog post on our visit to Harbin, please click Xiangfang Mosque





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