The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival usually runs from late December to February, best in the evening when the ice buildings light up.
- Main site: Ice and Snow World – ice castles and ice slides.
- Sun Island: giant snow sculptures.
- Central Street: Russian-style architecture, and ice lollies eaten in sub-zero air.
- Getting there: fly to Harbin or take the high-speed train from Beijing.
Note: temperatures can drop to -20°C to -30°C. You need a thick down coat, thermal leggings and snow boots; phone batteries drain fast, so carry a power bank and keep your phone in an inner pocket.