How to get Sun Island Harbin & Ferry Schedules of Sun Island

 

There are two primary ways to reach Harbin's Sun Island. The first is by ferry, a classic scenic route across the Songhua River. The second is via land transportation, including cable car, subway, or taxi, offering a more direct and efficient option. You can choose based on the season, your starting location, and the scenery you wish to experience.

 

By Metro (quick and easy)

• Take Harbin Metro Line 2 and get off at Sun Island Station. Exit 2 or Exit 3 will bring you right near the main entrance of the scenic area. 

• This is often the most convenient and efficient option, especially if you are already near a Metro line. 

 

By Bus

• There are many city-bus lines that go to stops near Sun Island: for example buses No. 29, 47, 80, 119, 125, 126, 211, 212, 213, 215, 216, 219, 346, 551, 552, etc.

• You would get off at something like “Sun Island Road Entrance Station” or “Sun Island Park Station” and then walk a short distance to the park entrance. 

 

By Ferry (seasonal / summer)

• In warm months, you can take a ferry across the Songhua River from near the Flood Control Victory Monument (close to downtown Harbin / Stalin Park area) to the Wharf at Sun Island. 

• The ferry ride is short (about 10–15 minutes) and is a scenic and pleasant option if the weather’s good. 

 

By Cable Car / Over-river Cableway

• There is a cable-car / cableway option crossing the Songhua River (from Tongjiang Street / near the river bank) to Sun Island. This offers great views and is an interesting choice. 

• This can be especially useful when the river is frozen (winter) making ferry infeasible. 

 

By Taxi / Ride-hailing

• If you prefer a direct ride, taxi or ride-hailing is an option — from central Harbin, the ride to Sun Island isn’t very long and can be convenient if you have luggage or are in a group.

 

Traveling to Sun Island from some parts of the city

1. Starting from Central Street/Flood Control Monument

This is the most convenient and classic starting point, allowing you to directly choose how to cross the Songhua River.

Preferred (Summer)——Ferry

Walk from the northern end of Central Street to the ferry terminal next to the Flood Control Monument (about 5-10 minutes), then take the ferry directly to Sun Island. This offers the most direct way to experience the scenery of the Songhua River.

Top Choice (Scenic)—— Cable Car

Take the cable car from the Songhua River Cableway Station near the Flood Control Monument. Enjoy aerial views of the river as you ascend directly to the Sun Island scenic area.

Alternative——Taxi/Ride-Hailing

If traveling with a group or carrying luggage, take a taxi. Tell the driver “Sun Island Main Gate.” The vehicle will cross via Sun Bridge, taking about 20-30 minutes.

Public Transport

Take bus routes like No. 126 near Central Street, which runs directly to Sun Island Station.
 

2. Departing from Harbin Railway Station (Harbin Station)

Preferred Option: Subway + Walking/Transfer

1. Take Metro Line 2 from Harbin Station.
2. Alight at Renmin Square Station or Central Street Station.
3. After exiting the station, walk to the Flood Control Monument Pier and transfer to a ferry or cable car to cross the river.

Second Choice: Direct Bus

Take Bus No. 47 from Harbin Station Square, which goes directly to Sun Island Station.

Alternative: Taxi/Ride-Hailing

The taxi ride is approximately 8 kilometers, taking about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
 

3. Departing from Harbin West Railway Station (Harbin West Station)

Preferred Option: Subway Transfer

1. Take Subway Line 3 (towards Taipingqiao) from West Station.
2. Transfer to Subway Line 2 at Zhujiang Road Station.
3. Ride Line 2 to People's Square Station. Walk to the riverbank and transfer to the ferry or cable car.

Alternative: Taxi/Ride-Hailing

Longer distance (approx. 15 km), 40-60 min drive. Most convenient option when carrying bulky luggage.
 

4. From Taiping International Airport

Preferred: Airport Bus + Transfer

1. Take Airport Bus Line 3 directly to Central Street (via Jingwei Erdao Street Station).
2. After alighting, walk to the Flood Control Monument and transfer to the ferry or cable car.

Most Convenient: Taxi/Ride-Hailing Service

The airport is approximately 40 kilometers from Sun Island, taking about 50-70 minutes by car. While more expensive, this offers the most hassle-free point-to-point service.

Economical Option: Airport Bus + Metro

First take the bus to the city center, then transfer to Metro Line 2 to a riverside station.
 

5. From Ice and Snow World

These attractions are adjacent, especially during winter.

Walking (Highly recommended in winter)

In winter, exit Ice and Snow World's main gate and cross the street directly to reach the entrance of the Sun Island Snow Expo. This is the quickest route.

Public Transport/Taxi

Outside winter or when heading to other Sun Island entrances, take the Sun Island shuttle bus or a taxi. The distance is short, and the fare may be covered by the base rate.
 

Ferry details( piers, schedules, and fares)

 

If you choose the ferry, head to the South Bank Terminal along the riverfront in Stalin Park. There are three main terminals: the typically busiest Tongjiang Street Terminal, the Ninth Station Terminal (also known as the “Old Railway Terminal”), and the Flood Control Monument Terminal next to the Flood Control Monument. They are close together but each has separate ticket counters and queuing lanes.
 

Ferry operations follow distinct seasonal schedules. The operating season typically runs from late April to late October, ceasing when the river freezes over in winter. Daily service generally operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. The last ferry departing from Sun Island back to the city usually leaves around 5:30 PM. Always reconfirm departure times when boarding. During daytime peak hours, ferries run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.
 

Regarding ferry fares, a standard one-way ticket costs around 10 to 20 RMB per person. A more common and cost-effective option is purchasing a combined ticket for “Sun Island admission + round-trip ferry,” priced at approximately 80 to 100 RMB, which includes the scenic area entrance fee. Additionally, longer sightseeing cruises are available. The boarding process is straightforward: purchase tickets at any pier ticket office, then queue to board the ferry. The journey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
 

Land transportation options—— cable car, subway, and taxi

Beyond the ferry, you can also reach Sun Island via land transportation, which operates year-round regardless of season. The Songhua River Sightseeing Cable Car offers a highly recommended experience. Its station near the Flood Control Monument provides a unique bird's-eye view of the river. A one-way ticket costs approximately 50 yuan, while a round-trip ticket is about 80 yuan. It operates throughout the year.
 

The most economical and reliable ground transportation is the Harbin Metro. Simply take Metro Line 2, exit at Sun Island Station, and exit through Exit 3. An underground passageway leads directly to the scenic area entrance. Alternatively, taking a taxi or ride-hailing service (such as DiDi) to the West Gate of Sun Island is also a convenient option. A large parking lot is available there, but visitors must transfer to the scenic area's eco-friendly shuttle buses or rent bicycles to access the core area from the parking lot.