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Harbin Winter clothes and NYE

I have heard about the cheap clothes markets in Harbin, so I am waiting until I get there to purchase clothes suitable for the cold weather. Especially as I dont stand a chance of buying winter clothes in Australia right now.

We fly into Harbin New Years Eve. Could someone let me know if the shops will be open New years Eve please?, What time are the shops usually open to?

As we fly in NYE, could someone recommend the best locations to take great photos of the NYE fireworks please?

Thank you

Visiting Harbin for New Year’s Eve is a unique experience, especially with its famously cold winter and the spectacular ice and snow scenery. Here’s detailed information regarding your questions about winter clothes, shop hours on New Year’s Eve, and photography spots for the fireworks.

1. Winter clothes in Harbin:

  • Harbin winters are extremely cold, with temperatures in late December often between -15 °C to -25 °C. It’s essential to have a thick down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, hat, and insulated boots.
  • The city has several clothing markets, such as Zhongyang Street area and local wholesale markets, where warm winter clothing can be purchased at lower prices than retail stores.
  • While you can buy clothes after arrival, be mindful that sizes and quality can vary, and very cold days might require you to purchase multiple layers.

2. Shop opening hours on New Year’s Eve:

  • Major shopping streets like Zhongyang Street and department stores generally remain open on New Year’s Eve, though hours may be shorter than usual, typically closing around 8–9 pm.
  • Some smaller or local markets might close earlier, especially in the afternoon, so it’s safer to shop earlier in the day.
  • Restaurants and cafes may stay open later for NYE celebrations, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

3. Best locations for NYE fireworks photos in Harbin:

  • Songhua River banks: Offers a panoramic view of city skyline and fireworks. Look for spots near bridges for elevated vantage points.
  • Zhongyang Street (Central Street): The main pedestrian street is festive, with crowds, lights, and fireworks reflected in the river if you can reach nearby riverfront areas.
  • Sun Island (Sun Island Scenic Area): While more for daytime activities, some vantage points may provide views of distant fireworks.
  • Hotels with river-view rooms or rooftop bars: Booking a room or space in advance can allow unobstructed photography with warmth and comfort.

Additional tips:

  • Dress in multiple layers and bring hand warmers, as standing outdoors for photography can be challenging in extreme cold.
  • Arrive at your chosen spot early to secure a good position for photos, especially along the river or central streets.
  • Carry a tripod if possible for night photography to capture sharp images of fireworks against the cityscape.

In summary, Harbin offers excellent shopping opportunities for winter clothes upon arrival, major shops on Zhongyang Street are open on New Year’s Eve until early evening, and the best photo spots for fireworks are along the Songhua River and central pedestrian streets, with rooftop or riverfront views providing optimal results.

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Harbin
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