Major Events & Festivals in Qiqihar, China
1. Ice and Snow Festival
A winter wonderland of ice sculptures and snow art, showcasing Qiqihar's unique cold climate.
- Uniqueness: One of the largest ice and snow festivals in the world
- Experience: Opportunity to explore and interact with massive, intricate sculptures
- Timing: Held annually during January
2. Qiqihar International Humpback Salmon Festival
Celebrating the annual migration of humpback salmon in the city's rivers.
- Nature: Opportunity to witness massive schools of salmon swimming upstream
- Culture: Includes traditional fishing techniques demonstrations and local cuisine
- Timing: Held in early October
3. Dragon Boat Race Festival
A traditional Chinese festival featuring dragon boat races on the city's lakes.
- Culture: Embraces Chinese heritage and tradition
- Community: Teams from around the region participate in races
- Timing: Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month
4. Qiqihar Flower Expo
A spectacular display of various blooming flowers and plants in the city's botanical gardens.
- Beauty: Stunning visual spectacle of flowers in bloom
- Knowledge: Opportunity to learn about different plant species
- Timing: Held annually during spring, usually from late April to early May
5. Qiqihar International Ice Swimming Competition
Competitive swimming races held in the frozen Songhua River during winter.
- Adventure: Testing physical limits and endurance in freezing temperatures
- Excitement: Atmosphere of cheers, support, and competition among participants
- Timing: Held annually in late December or early January
6. Qiqihar International Marathon
A long-distance running event attracting runners from around the world.
- Fitness: Challenge and improve personal best times
- Community: Raising funds for local charities and causes
- Timing: Held annually in late October or early November
7. Qiqihar Light Festival
A breathtaking display of lights and illuminations throughout the city during winter.
- Beauty: Stunning visual spectacle created by thousands of lights
- Experience: Walking through the magical, illuminated landscapes
- Timing: Held annually during December
8. Qiqihar Summer Solstice Festival
Celebrating the longest day of the year with traditional music, dance, and food.
- Culture: Embraces Chinese heritage and tradition
- Community: Teams from around the region participate in events
- Timing: Held annually on the day of the summer solstice
9. Qiqihar Snow Sculpture Art Exhibition
An exhibition showcasing intricate snow sculptures created by local and international artists.
- Art: Opportunity to appreciate beautiful, creative works
- Experience: Interactive workshops and demonstrations for visitors
- Timing: Held annually during winter, usually from January to February
10. Qiqihar Autumn Scenery Festival
A celebration of the vibrant autumn colors and beauty in the city's parks.
- Nature: Opportunity to witness the breathtaking autumn landscape
- Relaxation: Peaceful, scenic locations for contemplation and reflection
- Timing: Held annually from late September to mid-October
11. Qiqihar Lantern Festival
A traditional Chinese festival featuring hundreds of colorful lanterns displayed throughout the city.
- Culture: Embraces Chinese heritage and tradition
- Experience: Walking through the magical, illuminated landscapes
- Timing: Held annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month
12. Qiqihar Ice and Snow Carnival
A winter festival featuring ice sculptures, ice skating, and various winter activities.
- Fun: Activities for all ages to enjoy the winter wonderland
- Experience: Ice sculpting workshops and ice skating rinks
- Timing: Held annually during winter, usually from January to February
13. Qiqihar International Bird Watching Festival
A celebration of the diverse bird species found in the city's wetlands and forests.
- Nature: Opportunity to observe various bird species
- Knowledge: Guided tours and workshops led by experts in the field
- Timing: Held annually during spring, usually from late April to early May
14. Qiqihar Hot Air Balloon Festival
A colorful and exciting event featuring hot air balloons flying over the city's landscapes.
- Adventure: Opportunity to experience a bird's eye view of the city
- Photography: Beautiful opportunities for stunning photography
- Timing: Held annually during late summer, usually in August
15. Qiqihar Mid-Autumn Festival
A traditional Chinese festival celebrating the harvest and moon worship.
- Culture: Embraces Chinese heritage and tradition
- Community: Teams from around the region participate in events
- Timing: Held annually on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month