Geographic Location and Planned Area

 

Sun Island is situated in Sun Island Street, Songbei District, Harbin, adjacent to the municipal government. It stretches approximately ten kilometers east to west and four kilometers north to south, with a planned area of 38 square kilometers. The total area of the scenic area, including its peripheral protected zone, reaches 88 square kilometers.

 

Natural Scenery

 

The terrain is gently undulating, mainly composed of river floodplains, low plains, and gentle slopes, making it the only urban river floodplain wetland landscape in China and rare internationally.​ Rivers crisscrossing the area and a maximum altitude of 121.21 meters, it forms a unique natural landscape.

 

The scenery varies with the seasons:

•   In spring, the island is adorned with lush green grass, budding leaves, and chirping birds.

•   In summer, it offers cool shade, verdant grass, clear water, white sand, and blooming flowers, making it an ideal destination for escaping the heat.

•   Autumn brings a crisp atmosphere, golden leaves covering paths, and red maples across the wilderness.

•   Winter transforms the island into a frozen wonderland with ice and snow sculptures of various shapes, creating a breathtaking and unique winter landscape.

 

Flora and Fauna Resources

 

Nearly 200 species of plants, the island presents visitors with a green ecological world.

There are 282 species of vertebrates on the island, including protected species such as the white-fronted goose, little stint, and mandarin duck, providing visitors with opportunities to observe wildlife up close.

 

Historical and Cultural Heritage

 

• The island was first developed and utilized by the Qing Dynasty as a naval camp in 1683.

• On May 1, 1907, the first event to commemorate International Labor Day by the working class and laboring people of Harbin was held on Sun Island.

• Visitors can explore the Northeast Anti-Fascist Resistance Memorial Garden to experience its extraordinary history or stroll through the Russian-style town to immerse themselves in exotic customs.

 

Major Attractions

 

1. Sun Stone: Located at the east entrance, this 150-ton natural rock measures 7.5 meters in length, 4.3 meters in height, and 2 meters in width. The three Chinese characters "太阳岛" (Sun Island) inscribed on its front face were written by Zhao Puchu.

2. Sun Gate: Composed of five elliptical arches, one large and four small, it faces west and stands at the head of Jinshui Bridge. With a length of 68 meters, it embraces the direction of the Sun Stone at both ends, and its central entrance stands 12.03 meters tall, exuding a majestic aura.

3. Sun Bridge: Spanning Jinshui River on the island, it is Asia's first steel-structured single-tower, double-cable-plane, and backless-stay cable-stayed bridge.

4. Sun Lake: An artificial lake located in the center of Sun Island, it covers an area of 58,000 square meters and is a core attraction and essential component of the scenic area.

5. Sun Falls: A large imitation natural waterscape, it covers an area of approximately 15,000 square meters, stretching 132 meters in length and 7 meters in height.

6. Bathing Sun Terrace: The name implies basking in sunlight and ascending a terrace to enjoy the scenery. The plaza covers an area of about 4 hectares, with main attractions including the Sun God Altar, Sun God Bird, and Totem Poles.