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Harbin, otherwise called ‘city of ice’ or ‘oriental Moscow’, is a magnet for tourism, especially in winter seasons. The best time to go to Harbin is from December to January, the coldest time indeed, since Harbin is most attractive with the activities related to snow and ice in winter. In addition, the Harbin from July to September is a perfect resort for preventing the heat of summer.
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Harbin is most famous for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival which opens every January 5th and lasts for about a month. During the festival, a wide range of incredible activities are held: ice sculpture show, snow sculpture show, ice lantern show and all kinds of sports related to ice and snow such as skiing and skating. What’s better, the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival overlap with the ice and snow festival, which adds to the joyous atmosphere of the event. This festival displays the wisdom and imagination of the artists and people who love ice and snow. Harbin is totally a crystal world in this season.
Besides, visitors are also recommended to go to the Manchurian Tiger Park, the largest wild natural reserve for Manchurian Tigers. Saint Sophia Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East, is also worth visiting.
The local food in Harbin is typical Chinese northeast-style food which features heavy taste lobscouse. It might be salty, but really delicious. I would recommend you to try Disanxian (highly popular vegetable dish among foreigners), tossed mung clear noodles in sauce, stewed chick with mushrooms, stewed fish, and braised pork with vermicelli. Besides, there are many authentic Russian-style restaurants in Harbin, especially those around the Central Avenue. Visitors oftentimes like the Russian Dalieba bread.
If you wanna bring something home, there are two kinds of things you may consider. The first is “three treasures of northeast China”, namely ginseng, marten and antler. In addition, Harbin has high-quality black fungus, mushrooms and pine nuts etc. You can also buy Russian-style food and ornaments such as nesting doll.
In order to better enjoy the beauty of Harbin in winter, you have to be careful enough in case of a cold. Since the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be great, wise visitors, when going out, would put on clothes made of down or wool, matched with a hat, scarf and gloves. Have fun here!
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