The “Ice City, Fujian Charm – European Travel Media and Influencers Tour of China” officially commenced on 13th January. The initiative is hosted by the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and organised by the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism alongside the Harbin Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Television and Tourism.

On the first day of the tour, European travel influencers embarked on an in-depth exploration of Harbin. The itinerary included visits to historic cultural landmarks such as Central Street, the Kuanjie Museum, and the Shchukin Courtyard on Hongzhuan Street. The delegation experienced the famous balcony music at the Modern Hotel, sampled authentic Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), and visited the Harbin Music Museum and the Harbin Ice and Snow World. The tour offers an international perspective on the unique charm and global appeal of Harbin’s integrated ice tourism and urban culture.

Central Street and Kuanjie Museum: A Century of Heritage

The tour began with a stroll along Central Street. Paved with its signature “bread stones” and featuring a diverse array of architectural styles, this century-old thoroughfare serves as a living microcosm of Harbin’s history of opening up to the world.

This was followed by a visit to the Kuanjie Museum, where the preservation of original historical buildings and themed reconstructions provide a three-dimensional narrative of Harbin’s development as a crossroads of Eastern and Western civilisations.

Several influencers noted that Central Street is more than a tourist attraction; it is a vital gateway to understanding the city’s character, offering a valuable blueprint for contemporary international urban development through its legacy of multicultural coexistence.

Shchukin Courtyard: Urban Regeneration

At the Shchukin Courtyard on Hongzhuan Street, the group explored a Russian-style courtyard dating back to 1917. Once a private residence for expatriates, it has been transformed into a “cultural living room” for the city, hosting intangible cultural heritage displays, artistic creations, and public exchanges.

The courtyard retains its authentic historical fabric while incorporating modern functions. The influencers remarked that this project represents a “continuation” rather than a mere renovation, allowing the city’s historical context to merge naturally with modern life.

Modern Hotel Balcony Music: A Moment on the Street

As the strains of violin music drifted from the balcony of the Modern Hotel over Central Street, pedestrians slowed their pace, with tourists and locals alike pausing to listen. By bringing fine art into a public space, the performance achieved cross-linguistic communication without barriers. This street-level engagement ensures that Harbin’s title as a “City of Music” is an accessible reality for everyone rather than just a promotional slogan.

Laochuijia: The Story of Guobaorou

At the renowned restaurant Laochuijia, influencers learned about the evolution of Harbin’s culinary culture through the classic dish, Guobaorou. Originally created to suit the palates of foreign residents in the early 20th century, the dish’s history reflects Harbin’s inclusive and adaptive character. The group observed that gastronomy is not only an essential part of the travel experience but also an effective lens through which to understand a city’s cultural tolerance.

Harbin Music Museum: A Riverside Landmark

The delegation then visited the Harbin Music Museum on the banks of the Songhua River. Architecturally reminiscent of a “swan by the river,” this landmark documents the century-long journey of symphonic music in Harbin, from its early roots to its global presence today. Through extensive archives and immersive displays, influencers gained a direct understanding of Harbin’s unique position in the history of international musical exchange.

Harbin Ice and Snow World: A City of Light and Ice

The day concluded at the Harbin Ice and Snow World, where spectacular ice sculptures are integrated with digital lighting technology. As one of the world’s largest ice and snow theme parks, it demonstrates the scale and international success of China’s winter tourism industry. The influencers noted that Harbin’s successful fusion of traditional ice lantern craftsmanship with modern technology provides a “Chinese model” for the global development of winter tourism.

British influencer William stated that he intends to transform his experiences in Harbin into a series of content pieces for international social media platforms, presenting a vibrant and attractive image of Harbin as a premier winter destination to a European audience.