Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
With the launch of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, foreign tourists flocked to the city. The long-standing development of ice tourism and the "ice and snow economy" has earned the "city of ice" widespread recognition both in China and abroad. A constantly optimized visa policy, including 144-hour visa-free transit and a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russian citizens, has also contributed to the growing tourist flow.
The figures provide the most vivid confirmation: in the first year of the visa-free regime (since December 2024), the number of foreigners entering through Harbin Airport visa-free has increased sharply by 285.3% year-on-year. In just three months of the visa-free regime's trial for Russia, the share of visa-free entry among Russian tourists has reached 87.6%. During the festival, passenger traffic across the border is expected to reach approximately 79,000.
The current Harbin Ice and Snow Festival introduced the "Honorary Guest Country" system, with Belgium being the first such country. 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. To commemorate this event, Belgium's famous Manneken Pis statue received an ice replica at the Great World of Ice and Snow.
The development of an "ice and snow economy" is impossible without a fully-fledged industrial chain and an innovative system. The International Snow and Ice Economy Exhibition, held concurrently in Harbin, showcased a comprehensive ecosystem—from equipment production and technological developments to event organization and tourism services—attracting leading global equipment manufacturers and technology service providers. International giants, such as TechnoAlpin, the world's leading snow gun manufacturer, and Bombardier, the inventor of the snowmobile, are actively participating in the exhibition, exploring the opportunities offered by the entire cycle—from production to consumption—in the Chinese winter recreation market.
Scientific and technological innovations related to the winter recreation industry are among the most attractive areas. For example, domestically produced industrial drones capable of operating in extremely cold conditions, as well as intelligent and automated technologies for constructing ice and snow structures, demonstrate the strength of Chinese manufacturing and attract the attention of the international community interested in cooperation.
During the exhibition's opening ceremony, a series of Chinese-Russian projects in the field of ice and snow economics were signed. These projects cover areas such as cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, technological developments, inter-university research, and the development of cross-border tourism.
International forums, such as the World Mayors Dialogue, also focused on the economics of ice and snow. Their discussions expanded from winter tourism to addressing common challenges facing humanity: combating climate change, sustainable urban development, and responding to extreme weather conditions.
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