A Frozen Wonderland in China

Every winter, the city of Harbin in northeastern China transforms into a spectacular frozen wonderland during the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Known as the world’s largest ice and snow festival, it attracts millions of visitors who come to marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and partake in various winter activities.  

This city covers a huge area—about the size of 300 football fields! It’s made using over 250,000 cubic meters of ice taken from the nearby Songhua River. More than 7,000 workers help build it, including people who cut the ice and artists who sculpt it into amazing shapes. Despite costing a staggering $500 million USD each year, everything melts away as the spring arrives. But, it still continues to attract millions of visitors annually, around 18 million, who come from all over the world to witness how magnificent it is before it disappears again. 

The festival typically runs from early January to late February, depending on weather conditions. Some of the key attractions include:  

• Ice and Snow World: A massive theme park featuring full-sized ice buildings, sculptures, and illuminated structures. It covers over 600,000 square meters and uses more than 200,000 cubic meters of ice harvested from the nearby Songhua River.  

• Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo: Showcases large-scale snow sculptures crafted by artists worldwide.  

• Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair: Features traditional ice lanterns and smaller sculptures, offering a more intimate experience.  

• Visitors can also enjoy activities like ice skating, sledding, and even winter swimming in the Songhua River.  

They even have their restaurants made out of ice! You can enjoy a variety of local and international dishes. Here are some dishes you can get

Local and Regional Delicacies: 

• Dumplings (Jiaozi): A staple in Harbin, these are often filled with pork and green onions, served with vinegar or chili oil. 

• Stewed Dishes: Hearty meals like Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Stewed Pork with Vermicelli are popular, providing warmth and sustenance during the cold months. 

• Frozen Tofu: A local specialty where tofu is frozen overnight, resulting in a porous texture that absorbs flavors well, especially in hot pot dishes. 

Russian-Inspired Cuisine: 

• Borscht and Beef Stroganoff: Reflecting Harbin’s Russian heritage, these dishes are commonly found in local restaurants. 

• Dalieba (Big Bread): A large, savory sourdough loaf with a crusty exterior and fluffy interior, often sold by street vendors. 

Street Food and Snacks: 

• Chinese Barbecue: Street vendors offer grilled meats like lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, providing a flavorful on-the-go option. 

• Candied Fruit Skewers: Fruits such as strawberries and hawthorns are coated in hardened sugar syrup, offering a sweet treat amidst the cold. 

• Madie’er Ice Cream Bars: Despite freezing temperatures, these ice cream bars remain a popular choice among visitors. 

The festival grounds feature a mix of dining establishments, from local eateries to international chains like Pizza Hut. There are also areas that offer hot drinks, snacks, and instant noodles for those seeking quick and warm refreshments. 

So what do you think, a possible bucket list destination?