A Winter Wonderland: My Enchanting Escape to Harbin.
This winter, I embarked on a journey to Harbin, a city nestled in the northeastern part of China. It’s a place I’d long dreamed of visiting ever since I set foot in China, drawn by its reputation as the world – famous Ice City that truly comes alive in the winter months. The allure of the world’s largest ice and snow world was just too strong to resist.
We kicked off our adventure from Shenyang, boarding a train that carried us towards our winter wonderland. As we traveled, I was treated to the sight of the Chinese countryside, a landscape blanketed in a pristine layer of white snow. When we finally arrived in Harbin on a cold yet beautiful afternoon, I was immediately struck by the city’s charm. Harbin was colder than Shenyang, but having experienced a harsh winter in Shenyang, I was somewhat prepared. And let me tell you, the Harbin train station is a sight to behold! It’s more beautiful than many of the train stations I’ve visited in other Chinese cities, perhaps because it’s new, but it truly makes a statement.
After checking into our hotel, we were eager to explore, not wanting to waste a single moment of our first day. Despite the fatigue from the journey, we made our way to the famous Zhongyang Da Jie, one of Harbin’s main streets. The moment we got there, we were greeted by a sea of people. Tourists from all over China and even a few from around the world were out to experience the city's magic. The streets were adorned with beautiful lights, a clear sign that the city was ready to welcome its visitors. We dined at a Russian – themed restaurant, indulging in delicious Russian cuisine. It’s fascinating how this part of China has such a profound connection with Russia. You can see it in the architecture, the monuments, and even the people. During our stroll, a Japanese restaurant caught our eye. I decided to try a japanese snack with octopus, and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever tasted! But as the cold started to bite, we decided to call it a night, looking forward to the adventures that awaited us the next day.
The next morning, we were back in the heart of Harbin. We started our day with a scrumptious breakfast at a traditional Harbin restaurant. The food was some of the most delicious I’ve ever had, and the freshly squeezed juice served in beautifully decorated glasses was the perfect accompaniment. Just a short walk from the restaurant was the iconic Saint Sophia Church. This church, with its Soviet – era design (built by the Russians), is a must visit. The place was packed with people taking pictures and soaking in the beauty of the church. Despite the freezing cold, the atmosphere was electric. Inside, we were treated to a musical performance, a violinist, a pianist, and a trumpeter taking turns to play. It made the experience even more memorable.
From the church, we decided to visit the Harbin Museum. It was just a short distance away, and although we could have taken a taxi, we chose to walk. This way, we could soak in more of the city’s beautiful Soviet-era architecture. The museum was a treasure trove of history, showcasing the region’s past and its interactions with Russia. There were exhibitions on everything from old clocks and carriages to China’s Olympic achievements. And the art! There was a stunning collection of artworks from both Chinese and Russian artists. I spent a long time admiring these pieces, truly in awe of the talent on display.
Next on our list was the famous river in Harbin. There was an exciting event in the works, with ice sculptors hard at work building incredible structures. Sadly, it wasn’t finished when we visited. We walked along the river, taking in the beautiful architecture and the unique atmosphere of the city. We were also on the lookout for a white fox we’d seen online, a popular attraction for photos, but no such luck. We crossed the river and ended up at a famous park. It was packed with tourists, but we managed to take a cable car and got an amazing view of the entire city. As night fell, we capped off the day with a delicious traditional Chinese dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our hotel.
Our final full day in Harbin was dedicated to visiting the world famous Ice and Snow World. I’d been looking forward to this since I came to China, and when the day finally arrived, I was like a kid in a candy store. We got there early, expecting huge crowds, but luckily, it wasn’t as busy as we thought. The ice sculptures were simply breathtaking. My favorite was the gigantic ice Buddha. There were also massive snowmen, giant lights, and replicas of famous buildings from around the world. It’s no wonder it’s the largest ice and snow theme park in the world. The cold was intense, but thankfully, there were buildings where we could warm up. We spent the whole day exploring, enjoying the ice and snow show that’s not to be missed. By the time we left, it was nightfall, giving us the opportunity to experience the Ice and Snow World in both daylight and darkness – the perfect way to end our trip.
Traveling has been a game changer for me. It’s made me appreciate the diversity of the world, how different people live, and the true value of stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to see beyond my own surroundings and experiences. I wish everyone could have the chance to travel and see the world. It’s a humbling experience that makes you realize that despite our differences, we’re all connected. I can’t wait to continue my travels, see the world through different lenses, and step into the shoes of more people. Until next time!
Fred Agaba