Harbin 哈尔滨

Hā'ěrbīn

Harbin, in China’s far north east, is a unique blend of Chinese and Russian culture, history, and architecture. It had been on my China bucket list for a long time, and in February 2026 I finally made the trip north.

From exploring the city itself and experiencing the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, to skiing in Yabuli surrounded by endless winter landscapes, this was a journey that felt completely different from anywhere else I’ve visited in China.

Cold, beautiful, and occasionally ending with a frozen eyelash or two, it was an unforgettable experience.