Foreign cuisines take Harbin by storm amid winter tourism surge

The growing popularity of ice and snow tourism in Harbin has sparked a boom in Russian-style restaurants across the northeastern city.

To capitalize on the surge in visitors, restaurant owners are not only enhancing services but also adapting menus to better suit local tastes.

At Portman Restaurant, eager diners fill the elegant dining hall, braving temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius to experience authentic Russian flavors.

A Russian singer interacts with visitors at a restaurant in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. [File Photo: VCG]

Even in the mid-afternoon, tables remain in high demand.

Manager Li Xue oversees operations carefully, ensuring every guest is met with warmth and hospitality.

“In the catering industry, first impressions matter. We always welcome guests with a friendly smile. During winter, we offer hot water and warm towels right away to help them feel comfortable.”

As the capital of the northeastern province of Heilongjiang which borders Russia, Harbin has long been home to Russian-style eateries.

With the city’s rise as a winter tourism hotspot, these restaurants have gained newfound fame on Chinese social media, drawing visitors from across the country.

“I’m from Liaoning. The borscht here is delicious, very appetizing. I found this place on Xiaohongshu.”

“We’re from Shaanxi. Russian restaurants have gone viral recently, and this one got lots of recommendations. The steak is fantastic.”

“I’m from Tianjin. I’m new to Russian cuisine, but this place suits our tastes. I especially loved the baked escargot.”

Portman Restaurant has seen a 20 percent increase in foot traffic compared to last year, now welcoming up to 2,000 customers a day.

To cater to a broader audience, Li Xue and her team have adjusted their Russian menu, balancing authenticity with local preferences.

"Our menu includes Russian appetizers, soups, and steaks. Our thick steaks, brought in from Australia, have been tweaked to suit local flavors. We’ve also improved how the dishes look and made some of them less sour or sweet. On top of that, we’ve added local favorites, like frozen pear juice."

With Harbin’s winter tourism boom showing no signs of slowing, inbound travel bookings have more than doubled compared to last year during the Spring Festival holiday.

Li Xue believes the city's rise is no accident.

"Harbin is a big city with lots of natural resources and good facilities. It’s well-known for its Ice and Snow Festival and popular spots like Central Street and St. Sophia Cathedral. It’s no wonder the city is growing so much—it’s a fantastic destination for visitors!"

As more visitors arrive, Li Xue expects the surge in tourism to not only transform the local restaurant industry but also fuel the evolution of this once-industrial city.