Chinese city of Harbin, also known for its stunning winter landscapes, is experiencing a remarkable tourism surge, largely driven by social media platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu. Popularly referred to as “southern little potatoes,” tourists from China’s warmer southern regions are flocking to the city, captivated by its unique winter scenery and rich cultural experiences.
Chinese city of Harbin: Social Media Inspires Wanderlust
For many young travelers, social media is now the go-to source for trip ideas. Chen Xiting, a 29-year-old e-commerce worker from Guangdong, credits platforms like Douyin for helping her plan her recent trip to Harbin. “It’s the quickest way to get trip ideas,” she said. Chen observed a significant number of Cantonese-speaking tourists during her visit, a sign of Harbin’s growing appeal in southern China.
Chinese city of Harbin: Southern Travelers Change the Game
The city’s growing popularity among southern tourists is no coincidence. Liu Rong, a student from Sichuan, noted the city’s strategic focus on attracting visitors from warmer climates. “These years, especially this year, Harbin’s cultural tourism has placed a lot of importance on paying attention to us southerners,” he explained.
Tourism Boom Drives Economic Growth
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, has long faced economic challenges as one of China’s poorest regions. However, the tourism sector is now playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the local economy. The first five months of 2024 saw a 60% increase in revenue for the cultural, sports, and entertainment industries, with tourists spending an impressive 154 billion yuan ($21 billion) in the first half of the year—a 171% jump compared to 2023.
Pop Culture and Social Media Make Harbin Trendy
Popular novels, dramas, and an influx of social media content featuring Harbin have significantly boosted its visibility. Emily Liu, a local tour guide, shared that southern tourists have made the city “very trendy.” Meanwhile, Jiang Zhonglong, a 30-year-old travel agent, said the increased tourism has been transformative for his business.
Central Street: A Social Media Hotspot
The chinese city of Harbin’s iconic commercial district, Central Street, has become a hub for tourists eager to capture and share their experiences online. Ling, a 38-year-old visitor from Zhejiang, shared that social media played a big role in his decision to visit. “We often see videos promoting Harbin and wanted to experience the culture and weather for ourselves,” he said.
Local Businesses Thrive
The tourism boom has created a ripple effect, benefiting local businesses. Zhangzhang, the manager of a Russian goods store near Central Street, revealed that foot traffic has tripled since 2022. “My hometown has suddenly become popular,” she said, expressing pride in the city’s transformation.
A Brighter Future for Harbin
As the Chinese city of Harbin continues to attract more visitors, the economic uplift is undeniable. Zhangzhang believes the tourism boom will help revitalize the Dongbei region, lifting it out of poverty and into a prosperous future.
