Harbin, China

By Sheeba Muskaan

“Apprehending the cold might be the ultimate but it certainly defines the tourist’s profound chills while on the hills”

Harbin is located in China and experiences one of the world’s coldest weather, it is well known for the winter festivals where one gets to witness record-breaking massive ice sculptures. Tourists enjoy the unusual extremity in the weather and Travel from all parts of the world to participate and fancy the numerous winter festivals here. Harbin has a whole individualist culture during the different seasons and is popular for the summer concerts as well.

The winter ice festival is established because of thousands of sculptures and finely ice carved buildings of upto 45 to 50 meters tall that are detailed to perfection. The festival is attended by 10 to 15 million people. The setup is fascinating as there is a city divided into 25 blocks and the ice carved buildings are lit with lights for the tourists, these blocks are surrounded by multiple ice buildings that allows them reach the zenith.

Harbin is the world’s coldest big city and hosts their festival in three major festival venues. The Sun Island Scenic Area which is only open to tourists during daytime to see the snow sculptures. The Ice & Snow World displays gigantic ice sculptures and best during the night time because of the maverick lights around it. The Zhaolin Park show cases about 1000 smaller ice sculptures and ice lanterns and this is the area where the competition takes place, it is also best visited at night.

The Siberian Tiger Park is another crowd-pleaser at Harbin which houses over thousand Tigers and it falls under the Sun Island Area where the snow sculptures are displayed, it definitely is a view to cherish. This Park is open throughout winter and is a great place for visitors. There is a Ski Park which is China’s most idealistic skiing park and this way tourist can also participate in such adventurous activities.

Russian food is served everywhere and is easily available and is absolutely delicious. While travelling to Harbin tourists should keep in mind warm and dark clothes to absorb sunlight and waterproof shoes. Harbin is phenomenal as it entertains tourists with multiple activities. This winter, Harbin should be one’s choice if one is a fan of visiting cold destinations.