Stay at Harbin Maidi'er Hotel, a century-old landmark just steps from Chenghuang Temple. The building blends Russian architectural charm with Northeastern Chinese design, offering rooms with authentic vintage decor and cozy heating. Enjoy morning prayers at the temple, then stroll down Central Street to experience the unique fusion of Sino-Russian culture and local street life. Free subway shuttle service connects to Sofia Cathedral in 10 minutes.

Take Subway Line 1 from Harbin Station to "Nangang Station," then walk 5 minutes to Chenghuang Temple. Alternatively, bus routes 203, 204, or 206 stop at "Dao Li Cai Shichang" (300 meters away). Use the Harbin Metro Pass app for contactless entry. The area around the temple is pedestrian-only, ideal for relaxed sightseeing and photography without traffic disruption.

Beyond worshiping the City God, try Maidi'er Ice Cream (winter edition: frozen dessert), a century-old specialty. Join a folk paper-cutting workshop led by a master artisan to create your own zodiac-themed artwork. In the evening, visit the Central Street Night Market, savor traditional dishes like sweet-and-sour pork and red sausage, and enjoy illuminated sculptures and live street performances, immersing yourself in the vibrant mix of Northeastern folk traditions and European-style flair.

Harbin Hualida International Hotel is perfect for families, featuring kid-friendly rooms, indoor play areas, and a children’s pool. Located within walking distance of Chenghuang Temple and Central Street, it offers a family tour guide service that brings temple history and legends to life. Breakfast includes local favorites like dumplings and sour cabbage pork stew, giving kids a taste of authentic Harbin cuisine.

The stone archway and incense corridor in front of Chenghuang Temple offer stunning visuals, especially during morning mist when golden rooftops reflect against red pillars. Pair this with the nearby Russian-style fountain garden and ancient trees for layered compositions. At dusk, glowing lanterns highlight the glazed tile roofs, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Dress in Hanfu or qipao and pose at the ancient opera stage for a truly immersive cultural shot.

After dark, Central Street transforms into a luminous wonderland with colorful lights illuminating its historic Russian-style buildings. Sip hot cocoa at a retro café while listening to live piano music. Nearby, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival features exhibitions of Heilongjiang paper-cutting, shadow puppetry, and traditional New Year paintings. Interactive calligraphy booths let you write your own Spring Festival couplets. For a true ice city moment, head to the Songhua River bank to see floating ice lantern displays under the winter sky.