“Golden Quest: Journey to Harbin’s Wonderland of Ice and Snow”: China’s First XR-Powered Travel Board Game for Kids Launches, Combining Culture, Creativity, and Financial Smarts

HARBIN, China – June, 2025 – A groundbreaking educational board game is set to launch this summer, blending Harbin’s rich cultural heritage with immersive XR (Extended Reality) technology. “Golden Quest: Journey to Harbin’s Wonderland of Ice and Snow” is China’s first travel-themed board game designed specifically for children that brings the frosty charm of Harbin — often called “Ice City” — into the palm of your hand.

Developed with support from Heilongjiang Department of Culture and Tourism, this innovative board game goes far beyond dice rolls and cards. It invites young players to explore Harbin’s iconic landmarks, such as the Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Harbin Songhuajiang Railway Bridge, through interactive gameplay, virtual experiences, and educational challenges that nurture both financial literacy and cultural awareness.

Children have fun with parents in the “Golden Quest” board game

A New Way to Learn and Play

Combining hands-on play with XR features including virtual reality, digital avatars, and 720° panoramic scenes, the game lets children “travel” Harbin from anywhere in the world. Players take on multiple roles, complete mini math and memory games, and make strategic financial decisions — all designed to sharpen core skills like focus, memory, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

“Through this game, children not only improve their mental math and memory but also enhance their imagination and social interaction,” says instructor Wang Zikun, who regularly leads gameplay sessions at the Heilongjiang Provincial Library. “It’s more than a game — it’s a collaborative journey that helps kids grow cognitively and emotionally.”

Children compete in the “Golden Quest” board game

Inspired by Real-World Data

Behind the scenes, the game was crafted using real tourism data from Harbin. “We selected the 49 most anticipated tourist sites using big data analytics,” explains game designer Song Daqiang. “Then, we used XR and geo-positioning technology to recreate these sites within the game, offering players a realistic and immersive exploration experience.” To ensure accessibility, the game is available in both Chinese and English, with plans for international tournaments that could attract young players from across the globe.

Scan the map to reveal the real-life views of Harbin landmarks.

More Than a Game: A Cultural Gateway

This launch marks Harbin’s shift toward year-round, tech-powered cultural engagement. By merging physical board gaming with digital exploration, "Golden Quest" turns regional heritage into a globally accessible educational tool – moving beyond winter festivals to create lasting cultural connections.

Press Contact:

Email: goldenquestharbin@gmail.com