Harbin · Mt. Changbai · Yanji · Winter Wonderland

In the morning, walk to St. Sophia Cathedral, its green onion-shaped dome outlined by the sun, the Byzantine-style church standing out against the blue sky. This is Harbin's most iconic frame. Cross the street and you step into the Daoli Food Market, one of Harbin's most worthwhile markets, hiding local favorites that locals have eaten for years — pumpkin cakes and corn cakes at the entrance, frozen pear juice, and freshly fried beef skewers.

From there, head to Central Street. The pavement beneath your feet turns into century-old cobblestones, with European architecture lining both sides, from Baroque to Art Nouveau. Stop by the cold drink hall and buy a Modern Ice Cream Bar — creamy and rich. Eating an ice cream bar in minus-20-degree weather while walking down this street is an experience only Harbin can offer.

At the end of Central Street, the Flood Control Monument stands by the Songhua River. Behind it lies the Songhua River Ice Carnival, with nearly 60 ice and snow activities — the Colorful Rhythm Ice Slide, Snow Tubing Extreme Drift, ice hovercrafts, horse-drawn carriages, go-karts and ice bikes (optional, pay as you go).

For dinner near Central Street, choose between Russian cuisine steeped in Harbin's history, or bold, hearty Northeastern food. After dinner, save time for a Northeast bathhouse ritual — scrubbing, sauna, chatting, snacking. This is the hidden ace of Harbin travel.