Timeline
06:34
Walk from Children Park to the viewing spot. The park is 38 minutes from the Dragon TV Tower, so you need to arrive early to secure a good vantage point. The walk is quiet in the morning.
07:04
Stand in Children Park and watch the sunrise. On the dates between 12 December and 01 January, the sun rises directly behind the Dragon TV Tower. The tower is the tallest steel structure in northeastern Asia, and its silhouette against the morning sky is striking.
07:19
Head to Upscale Sushi and Tempura for a warm breakfast. This Japanese restaurant is just 1 minute from the Dragon TV Tower. The cozy bamboo paper rooms with heated seats offer a perfect respite from the cold morning air. The full menu includes sushi, tempura, and Japanese curry.
07:49
If you have more appetite, move to Japanese Teppanyaki. It is a 3-minute walk from the tower. You sit in private rooms while a real Japanese cook prepares your meal right in front of you. Meals start at ¥200.
Local tip
The sun alignment behind the tower only works between 12 December and 01 January. Check the exact sunrise time for your specific date, as it shifts slightly within that window. The tower is open for viewing, but the revolving restaurant may require a reservation.
Check before you go
- The alignment at Children Park is specific to the winter months (12 Dec to 01 Jan).
- Upscale Sushi and Tempura and Japanese Teppanyaki are near the tower. Check if they are open early enough for your sunrise time.
- The walk from Children Park to the tower is 38 minutes. Start your walk accordingly.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Harbin (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).