Songhua River Sightseeing Cableway
Experience Harbin’s iconic Songhua River Sightseeing Cableway, a 1,156m aerial journey linking Sun Island to the northern bank. Glide over frozen rivers in winter (perfect for ice festival views) or lush greenery in summer, with options for glass-bottomed cabins and nighttime illuminations. Learn about ticket pricing, transportation tips, and ideal itineraries for a half-day or full-day adventure.
Historical Background
1997: Cableway construction completed, becoming Harbin’s first urban aerial transport.
2000s: Upgraded with glass-bottomed cabins for enhanced views.
2010s: Integrated into Harbin’s “Ice and Snow World” tourism circuit.
2023: Partnered with local festivals to offer seasonal light displays and themed rides.
Structural Layout
The cableway’s two terminals blend modern engineering with local aesthetics:
Sun Island Terminal: Features a futuristic design with a rooftop observation deck.
Northern Bank Terminal: Adopts traditional Northeastern architecture, housing a souvenir shop and café.
Cabins: 64 air-conditioned cabins (including 4 glass-bottomed), accommodating 8 passengers each.
Major Attractions
Frozen River Panorama (Winter): Witness ice sculptures, snow-covered banks, and skaters below.
Summer Greenery: Glide over lush forests, migratory birds, and boating activities.
Nighttime Illuminations: Seasonal LED light shows during festivals.
Sun Island Viewpoint: Spot Harbin’s iconic Polarland and Russian-style buildings.
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Ride (20 Minutes)
Sun Island → Northern Bank: Capture river vistas and skylines.
Northern Bank → Sun Island: Spot wildlife and recreational activities.
Half-Day Adventure (2–3 Hours)
Morning: Cableway ride + Sun Island Park exploration.
Afternoon: Visit Harbin Ice and Snow World (winter) or St. Sophia Cathedral (summer).
Full-Day Experience (6–8 Hours)
Morning: Cableway + Sun Island’s Polarland and flower gardens.
Afternoon: Central Street shopping + St. Sophia Cathedral photography.
Evening: Cableway night ride + local hotpot dinner.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (7 days in advance).
On-Site: Terminals offer ticket kiosks (queues longer in peak season).
Prices:Standard Ride: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (children 6–12).
Glass-Bottomed Cabin: ¥120 (limited availability).
Night Rides: ¥100 (Dec–Feb only).
Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 2 to Sun Island Station (Exit 3), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 29, 119, or 126 to Sun Island Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Sōnghuā Jiāng Suǒdào”
Parking: Terminals offer paid lots (¥5/hour).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays (9 AM–11 AM or 3 PM–5 PM).
Peak Seasons: Winter (Dec–Feb) for ice views; summer (Jun–Aug) for greenery.
Weather: Dress warmly in winter (cabins heated but exposed to wind).
Essentials:Wear sunglasses (glare off ice/snow).
Use cableway’s AR guide for historical insights.
Photography allowed (no drones or selfie sticks).
Prohibited: Food, large bags, and tripods.
FAQ
What precautions should visitors take?
Winter: Wear anti-slip shoes on icy platforms; summer: Avoid peak sun hours (11:00–15:00). No leaning on cabin doors; keep cameras steady for clear aerial shots.
Where are the best photo spots for Songhua River Sightseeing Cableway?
South station viewing platform (cableway panorama and river bend); inside the cabin (aerial shots of ice sculptures or summer river views); north station exit (Sun Island snow sculptures as backdrop).
What's the parking advice for self-driving visitors?
South station: Street parking (¥5/hr) on Tongjiang St; north station: Sun Island Scenic Area lot (¥20/day). Arrive before 9:00 AM in peak season.
How to combine the cableway with nearby attractions?
With Central Street: 5-min walk to south station, cross to Sun Island (2-hr tour), return for Central Street's night views. With Ice and Snow World: 10-min taxi from north station to the park for an "aerial view + ice activities" day.
What landscapes can be seen from Songhua River Sightseeing Cableway?
Overlooking both riverbanks: Sun Island Snow Expo (winter) or flower gardens (summer) on the north, and Central Street's Russian architecture plus St. Sophia Cathedral's dome on the south. Winter reveals "ice floes" on the frozen river; summer shows greenery and cruise ships. The cable car offers panoramic city views covered in snow or lush foliage.
