The Harbin Ice & Snow World is one of the largest ice festivals in the world. it takes place from end of December until February (weather permitting). The local farmers from the area turn into architects during the winter to put on this amazing show for the world to see! Each year, the architectures are different to go with the theme so it is definitely worth a visit! #wintergetaway#urbanexplorer#leaveyourmark#lightthecity

As many people visit Harbin, only during the winter because of its famous ice sculpture festival. I would say it's a tourist destination that should be in your list all around the year. As there are still lot of other things to do, other than the festival and skiing. Here's what you can do in Harbin, First of all, this city even though in China looks completely russian in most of the sense. There are sign boards in three languages ( including russian), the buildings & their architecture, the food, the very famous russian doll & chocolates. So if at all you like to have a sneak peek of what a Russian city would like, then here's the place for you. You can embark on a leisurely tour of Sofia cathedral and the 小吃 street around it; for a day. It's in the downtown and so there are lot of hotels that you can choose to stay at. Also don't forget to book the ticket online before going to the cathedral. Unfortunately, we couldn't get to the Church as it was full. The next day you can walk in the majestic 松花江 bridge, that's again designed and built by Russia-China collaboration. It's really worth it, to walk the entire stretch that history reminds itself. Also do visit the train market nearby this bridge; not the one like in vietnam haha. It's a model one, but as the replica of 1900s train, the coal one. And another day, go to visit the big cats living in one of the coldest places on Earth. The Siberian tiger is also comparatively bigger than it's Asian/African counterparts. It's nearly 7 ft long, and can take down any animal with a single blow. When we were there, we just had it watched hunting a live chicken 😜 but that's all you can see in a zoo. #qingmingtravel #urbanexplorer #东北旅游 #siberiantiger #urbanexplorer#qingmingtravel#lightthecity

Situated near to the famous Sofia cathedral in Harbin, this 东北 (North East) cuisine was really too much for two of us. Also one thing we noticed in every 东北 restaurant, during our expedition is they're super cheap & super large amount of quantity. But also, the quality is quite great; it's a mixture of tanginess, sweet, spicy and many more. Overall I would say, it's not just this restaurant but the whole of 东北 cuisine so yummy. If you're in China, go & feast in any of the东北 cities like Shandong or Harbin. #tripfoodie #chinesecuisine #tripfoodieharbin #tripfoodie#lightthecity#urbanexplorer

Getting There - Once in Harbin, you can easily get a Didi or taxi to the location. The St Sophia Catherdral is an iconic landmark in Harbin that dates back to when Harbin was under Russian influence. It’s definitely a must see. In spring it is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms and in Winter it transforms into a magical sight!

#harbin is best city in north china. Having winter festive #china #world #awesomepic #foodieheaven #iceandsnow #lightthecity

Harbin before the snow#harbin#awesomepic#2019firsttravelpic#newadventure #unforgettableexperiences#awesomepic

checked luggage at a very art Deco Haerbin Train Station. I feel like in Harry Potter's movie.. #holidayvacation#wintergetaway#staycation#tripinspired

Enjoying snowboarding sport @yabuli, it's sub zero temperature but the feeling is ecstatic due to warmth during rolling down the really nice mountain slopes. great place for winter sport!! it's very apt to be called nature's oxygen bar!! #wintergetaway

Traveling to Harbin was one of the serious decisions I made. As a guy from southern part of India winter has never crossed 18 degrees for us and so, I was super prepared to deal with the cold which is exactly opposite of less than -18 degrees. But it was also a best decision, that led me to experience the best snow I have seen ever !! #harbin #russianarchitecture #traveltheworld #holidayvacation#wintergetaway#tripinspired#happynewyear