
Niigata Friendship Park is located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, specifically on the famous tourist destination Sun Island.
It is a garden jointly built by Harbin and Niigata, a friendly city in Japan, to symbolize peace and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
The park has beautiful scenery, unique style and is full of rich Japanese folk customs. It is a distinctive reception window in Harbin.
It covers an area of 42,000 square meters and was officially completed and opened to the public on September 1, 1989.
The memorial hall is the main building in the garden. Mountain springs and streams run through the garden and meander into the gourd pond.
Temperate monsoon climate, suitable for all seasons
long time
free
All day
The Niigata Friendship Garden in Harbin symbolizes the friendship between China and Japan. It was designed in collaboration with the Niigata city of Japan, featuring traditional Japanese garden styles and elements to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
The garden is located in the central area of Harbin. It can be accessed via taxi or bus from major parts of the city. The nearest bus stop is a short walk away from the entrance.
The garden is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the garden is in full bloom.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online during busy seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it’s advisable during peak tourist seasons to avoid waiting in line.
You will need about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the garden, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the surroundings and taking photos.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Japanese, providing insightful information about the garden's design and history. Audio guides are available in Mandarin, English, and Japanese.
The best photography spots are near the koi pond and around the bonsai garden. These areas provide scenic views and excellent photo opportunities, especially during the blooming season.
Start at the main entrance and follow the path towards the pond. Then explore the bonsai area and walking trails, taking time to appreciate the different sections and natural beauty.
Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows. However, the garden is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a peaceful atmosphere for evening strolls during special festivals.
The garden tends to be less crowded on weekdays, particularly in the mornings. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times, especially during festivals or peak tourist seasons.
The garden is relatively accessible, with paved paths and benches for resting. However, some areas with steps or uneven paths might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted, and cash is also accepted. Credit cards are not commonly used within the park.
There are no restaurants inside the garden, but several restaurants and cafes are located nearby, serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but they can be found in some of the surrounding areas.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance, where visitors can purchase items like local handicrafts, Japanese-themed products, and traditional Harbin souvenirs like ice sculptures and carved wooden items.
Public buses, taxis, and private ride-hailing services like Didi are available for further transportation. The city center is easily accessible from the garden.