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27th Harbin Ice and Snow World Expands to 1.2M m²
Harbin Ice and Snow World expands to 1.2 million m² for the 2025–2026 season, its largest ever, with ticket prices unchanged at RMB 328.
Written by
Anthony
| Category | Number / Combination | Chinese | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Numbers | 8 | 八 (bā) | Sounds like “prosper / get rich,” symbolizing wealth and success |
| 6 | 六 (liù) | Sounds like “smooth,” meaning things go easily and smoothly | |
| 9 | 九 (jiǔ) | Sounds like “long-lasting,” linked to longevity and lasting fortune | |
| 2 | 二 / 两 (èr / liǎng) | Represents pairs, harmony, and balance — “good things come in twos” | |
| 3 | 三 (sān) | Associated with vitality, growth, and completeness (context-dependent) | |
| Lucky Combinations | 66 | 六六 | “Double smoothness,” everything goes well |
| 88 | 八八 | Strong symbol of wealth and prosperity | |
| 99 | 九九 | Long-lasting happiness, health, or relationships | |
| 168 | 一路发 | “Prosper all the way,” popular in business and pricing | |
| 998 | 久久发 | Long-lasting wealth and success | |
| 188 / 288 | 一发发 / 易发发 | Easy or repeated prosperity | |
| 520 / 521 | 五二零 / 五二一 | “I love you” | |
| 1314 | 一生一世 | “For a lifetime” | |
| 5201314 | 五二零一三一四 | “I love you forever” | |
| 666 | 六六六 | Slang for “awesome,” “very smooth,” or “well done” | |
| 886 | 八八六 | Sounds like “bye-bye,” friendly and casual | |
| Unlucky Numbers | 4 | 四 (sì) | Sounds like “death,” widely avoided |
| 14 | 十四 (shí sì) | Strong negative association, avoided more than 4 alone | |
| 13 | 十三 (shí sān) | Mostly neutral traditionally; sometimes avoided due to Western influence | |
| 7 | 七 (qī) | Generally neutral; sensitive mainly during Ghost Month | |
| Unlucky Combinations | 24 | 二四 | Sounds uncomfortable due to association with “death” |
| 34 | 三四 | Often avoided in formal contexts | |
| 44 | 四四 | Strong “death” association | |
| 74 | 七四 | Uncomfortable sound association in some regions | |
| 144 | 一四四 | Intensified negative association with 4 |
The idea that numbers can be “lucky” or “unlucky” in China is not random. It comes from a few deep-rooted cultural patterns that still shape daily life today.
The most important reason numbers carry meaning in China is pronunciation 谐音 (xié yīn). If a number sounds similar to a word with a positive meaning, it is usually seen as lucky. If it sounds like a word linked to something negative, people tend to avoid it.
For example, the sound of number 8 is close to a word associated with prosperity, which is why it’s widely favored. Number 4, on the other hand, sounds similar to a word related to death, so it is commonly avoided. This sound-based logic explains most number preferences you’ll see in everyday life.
This is not superstition in a strict sense. It reflects a practical mindset—using pleasant sounds to express good wishes and steering clear of uncomfortable associations.
Sound alone doesn’t explain everything. Two other forces make number beliefs stronger and more visible.
First is the traditional idea of balance. Chinese culture often favors pairs, seeing even numbers as symbols of completeness and harmony. This is why gifts are usually given in even numbers and why dates with 2, 6, or 8 feel more “proper” for important events. Single numbers, except for a few special cases, can feel incomplete in formal situations.
Second is the influence of modern consumer life. Today, lucky numbers are treated almost like premium features. Phone numbers or license plates with favorable digits are sold at higher prices, while less popular numbers are discounted. This market behavior reinforces the idea that some numbers are simply “better” than others.
Number 8 is the most universally recognized lucky number in China. Its pronunciation is close to the word “发 or 發”, meaning “to prosper” or “to get rich,” so it naturally became a symbol of success, growth, and good fortune.
A famous example is the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, which was deliberately held on August 8 at 8:08 p.m. to capture this positive symbolism.
In daily travel life, you’ll notice that hotel rooms on the 8th floor or with numbers like 88 are often more popular. Souvenirs are commonly sold in sets of eight, and prices such as 98 or 198 are everywhere—from street snacks to tour packages—because they feel both lucky and appealing.
Number 6 is associated with smoothness and ease. Its sound is close to the idea of “everything going smoothly,” which is why business owners especially like it.
Among younger people, “666” is a popular slang expression meaning something is impressive or well done. If a local says a person is “six-six-six,” they are complimenting them.
While traveling, you may notice people choosing the 6th or 16th as departure dates, ordering six dishes at a meal, or buying souvenirs in sets of six. All of these choices quietly express the hope that the trip goes well from start to finish.
Number 9 sounds like the word “久”, meaning “long-lasting.” It is linked to longevity, enduring relationships, and lasting success. In traditional China, it was also associated with emperors and authority, which adds a sense of dignity and respect.
For travelers, this shows up in thoughtful details. Giving nine small gifts to an older local friend is seen as a warm wish for long life. At scenic sites such as Huangshan, stairways with 999 steps reflect the idea of continuous progress and long-term fulfillment.
Chinese culture strongly favors pairs. The idea that “good things come in twos” reflects harmony and balance, which are deeply valued.
This is why gifts are almost always given in even numbers. Two, six, or eight items are all safe choices, while single items may feel incomplete in formal situations. Weddings are often scheduled on even-numbered dates.
One small tip: while number 2 usually carries a positive “good things come in pairs” meaning, saying “you’re two” in casual Chinese slang is not a compliment—it’s a light, joking way to say someone is a bit silly or reckless.
Number 3 is linked to vitality and growth, as its sound connects to the idea of life and creation. In philosophy and art, three often represents completeness.
In travel settings, this appears in names and designs such as West Lake’s “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” or classical gardens that group views in threes. In everyday conversation, however, the number three is generally neutral and does not carry strong lucky or unlucky meaning.
China’s ethnic diversity means number meanings can change by location.
In Tibetan areas, numbers 3 and 9 are especially meaningful. Three represents key spiritual concepts, and nine symbolizes the highest level of completeness. Locals may give gifts in sets of three or nine, and prayer wheels are often turned that many times.
In Inner Mongolia, number 7 is seen as a symbol of wholeness, combining nature and human life. Guests may be offered seven cups of wine, and festivals are sometimes held on dates featuring this number.
In Cantonese-speaking regions such as Hong Kong and southern Guangdong, numbers 2 and 5 are favored. Their sounds suggest ease and personal connection. This is why shop prices often appear as 58 or 158, and why license plates with these numbers are popular.
In China, combining lucky numbers makes the blessing feel stronger. These number sets usually work in two ways: some double up good fortune through sound, while others act as playful social codes among younger people.
The logic here is very straightforward. When a lucky number repeats, people feel the good meaning is multiplied. It’s an easy and widely understood way to express positive wishes.
Common examples include 66, which suggests everything goes smoothly; 88, a strong symbol of wealth and prosperity; and 99, often used to wish long-lasting relationships or good health. You may also hear 666 used to mean “very impressive” or “super smooth,” while 888 is seen as the most powerful wealth-related combination.
Many popular number combinations focus directly on prosperity and are especially loved by shop owners and business people.
The most famous example is 168, which sounds like a phrase “一路发”, meaning “prosper all the way.” It is one of the most widely used lucky prices in China. Other common combinations include 998 “久久发”, which blends the ideas of long-lasting success and wealth, as well as 188 or 288, both suggesting easy or repeated prosperity. The number 886 is also very common in daily life—it sounds like a casual “bye-bye” and is friendly rather than lucky or unlucky.
Some number combinations are modern creations, invented by younger generations as fun and informal ways to communicate. These are especially common online and in popular tourist areas.
The best-known examples are 520 and 521, which sound like “I love you,” and 1314 “一生一世”, which sounds like “for a lifetime.” Together, 5201314 expresses “I love you forever” and is widely recognized across China. Other casual codes include 9494 “就是就是”, meaning agreement or “exactly,” and 778, often used when inviting someone to eat together.
In China, some numbers are quietly avoided because of how they sound or what they suggest culturally.
Number 4 is the clearest example of a shared cultural taboo. Its pronunciation closely matches the word for death “死”, and because Chinese culture treats death with strong respect and caution, this number is commonly avoided across the country.
For example, many hotels and elevators skip the 4th floor entirely, using alternatives like “3A” or “5-1” instead. Room numbers with 4, such as 4, 14, or 24, are usually missing as well. When it comes to social customs, gifts or red envelopes should never include amounts ending in 4, and shops avoid pricing that uses this number.
Number 14 is often avoided together with 4, and sometimes even more strongly. Its sound creates a particularly negative association, so people tend to stay away from it whenever possible.
In real life, this means hotels usually skip the 14th floor and room number 14. Important events such as weddings or business openings are rarely scheduled on the 14th. Prices and red-envelope amounts also avoid figures like 140 or 214.
Travel tip: When booking accommodation, you can politely request a room number that does not include 14. It’s a normal request and often makes arrangements smoother.
In traditional Chinese culture, number 13 is mostly neutral. However, due to Western influence, especially in international hotels and commercial buildings, it is sometimes avoided alongside 14.
As a traveler, you may notice that some international-brand hotels or office towers skip both the 13th and 14th floors, while local guesthouses and scenic areas usually have no issue with 13 at all.
Travel tip: This is a normal result of cultural mixing. Just follow the building’s numbering system—there’s no need to worry about it.
Most of the time, number 7 is neutral in China. The only period when it becomes sensitive is during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, traditionally known as “Ghost Month.” During this time, some people feel the atmosphere is more delicate and prefer to be cautious.
You may notice that during this month, a few locals avoid traveling on dates with 7 or choose not to stay in rooms numbered 7. Outside of this period, the number carries no strong negative meaning.
Some numbers are fine on their own but feel uncomfortable when combined, especially because of stronger negative sound associations or regional dialect meanings.
Combinations that many people prefer to avoid include 24, 34, 44, 74, and 144. These are not universal rules, but in formal situations they can raise eyebrows.
Whether you’re traveling in China or working with Chinese partners, you don’t need to memorize complex rules. Following a few simple habits is usually enough to avoid awkward moments and make a good impression.
When booking hotels, you can leave a short note asking for a room number with 8, 6, or 9, and to avoid 4 or 14. If the hotel can’t arrange this, just accept what’s available. It’s a small courtesy, not a requirement.
For gifts or small red envelopes, safe choices include amounts like 20, 66, or 88, and giving two items instead of one. For elders, 99 or a set of nine items feels especially thoughtful, as it carries a wish for long life.
In conversation, avoid linking the number 4 with its negative meaning, as it can feel uncomfortable. With younger people, using casual expressions like “666” for praise or “520” to express affection is common and friendly.
At attractions, you may see number-themed photo spots such as 520-meter paths or stairways with symbolic step counts. Feel free to take photos or ask your guide about their meaning—it’s an easy way to learn more about local culture.
When setting prices or packages for Chinese customers, numbers ending in 8, 6, or 9 are generally preferred. Avoid ending prices with 4. Package sizes usually work best in twos or other even numbers, rather than four.
For openings or promotional events, choose even dates that include 6 or 8, and avoid dates with 4 or 14. If your audience is more international or high-end, it’s also safer to avoid 13.
When selecting business-related phone numbers or license plates, combinations that include 8, 6, or 9 are widely welcomed. Try to avoid strings with multiple 4s, which are often viewed unfavorably.
Keeping these simple guidelines in mind is usually enough to navigate number choices confidently, without overthinking the details.
Number 8 is lucky because its pronunciation sounds similar to a word meaning prosperity and wealth. This connection makes it a popular symbol of success and smooth progress. That’s why even major events, such as the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, were scheduled with multiple 8s.
Number 4 is avoided because its pronunciation is very close to the word for death. Since Chinese culture treats death with strong respect and caution, people naturally avoid this number. It’s a cultural sensitivity rather than a superstition.
Yes, number 6 is considered lucky. Its sound is linked to the idea of things going smoothly, which is why business people like it. “666” is a popular expression among younger people and means something is impressive, well done, or very smooth.
Number 14 is often avoided because its pronunciation creates a stronger negative association than 4 alone. It’s seen as an extension of the same concern, so people tend to avoid both numbers together.
Not exactly. Even numbers are preferred in many situations because they suggest balance and completeness. However, some odd numbers, such as 3 and 9, are also considered lucky due to their positive meanings and cultural associations.
Even amounts are usually the safest choice. Common options include 20, 66, or 88. For elders, 99 is a warm wish for long life, while couples often appreciate amounts linked to affection. Avoid amounts that include 4 or are connected to 14.
In traditional Chinese culture, number 13 is neutral. However, due to Western influence, some high-end hotels and office buildings avoid both 13 and 14. In everyday life, most people don’t pay special attention to 13.
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