Ice, ice baby

Known as the 'Oriental Moscow', Harbin has always been regarded as a unique and exotic city

Workmen put the finishing touches on a massive sculpture at this year's Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

When visitors wander along Harbin's bustling Central Avenue, they are treated to the sight of marvelous European architecture that bears the record of the city's thriving history. You can visit the magnificent Santa Sophia Cathedral while enjoying the hearty rhythms produced by a red-nosed Russian organist nearby. When night falls, one can enjoy the flavors of original Russian food in a pillow-filled restaurant decorated like a cozy bedroom. But right now, Harbin is living up to its name as a city made of snow and ice. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is in full swing and has lured tourists from all around the world.

Fantastic ice sculptures and lanterns of various shapes reveal the most brilliant and mysterious aspects of the city.

When you see a 70-year-old man take a deep breath and plunge into the icy waters to compete with younger fellows, one can surely be amazed by how much snow and ice have become so much a part of the character of the local people - optimistic, brave and friendly.

And their warmth will dispel the freezing cold for any visitor.

A swimmer pumps up the crowd before diving into the icy water.

If you want to escape the dullness and tiredness of winter, then take a colorful and vigorous tour of Harbin. Here are five places to check out if you go:

1. Central Avenue

Built in 1898, it is one of the longest and busiest shopping streets in Asia. With a total of 71 European-styled buildings, numerous modern shopping malls, exotic restaurants and cafes, pedestrians may feel they are strolling down an old European city.

As a newcomer to Harbin without any idea of where to go, it is recommended you start your journey from this street.

2. Yabuli Ski Resort

Excited visitors shoot down an ice slide.

It is located in a county 197 km east of Harbin and is the biggest and best natural skiing site in China. Imposing mountain ranges lavishly covered with pine forests surround the resort. It was the venue for the 1996 Asian Winter Games and the 2009 Winter Universiade, the two biggest winter sports events ever held in China, and now is the main training base for the national ski team. It is China's best in terms of snow quality, skiing trails and spectacular views. The main ski slope is 3,800 meters long with an altitude of 1,300 meters. Wild animals are frequently spotted on the site. The time to visit is between November and March.

3. Santa Sophia Cathedral

The church was built in 1907 by Russians and has become the most photographed building in Harbin. With a typical Byzantine style, it is the largest Orthodox Church in the Far East, and fits more than 2,000 people.

Its unique structure reflects mixture of Chinese and Russian culture in Harbin.

The main structure of the church is laid out as a Latin cross and has exquisite and radiant red walls inside.

The most eye-catching part are the ornate, huge 'blue onion' domes with four other domes around it.

At the top is a bell tower, with each of the seven bells representing a note and it can produce pleasant rhythms. Inside the church is a museum showcasing the multi-cultural history of Harbin.

4. Sun Island Park

Eight 'snow house' restaurants open their doors to diners on Sun Island.

This sandy island on the north shore of Songhua River is surrounded by crystal clear waters and lush forests. In winter, the snow-capped island is even more enchanting. The magical setting provides a picturesque view, and could easily be a real life replica of a well-crafted Chinese painting.

It has also become one of the venues for the snow sculpture festivities by gathering the world's best snow carvings. In summer, it is an ideal place for escaping the sweltering heat and taking a picnic.

5. Siberian Tiger Park

The park is the largest natural park for wild Siberian tigers in the world. There are more than 500 pure-bred Siberian tigers, with 100 visible to visitors. In addition, visitors can also see white tigers, lions, lynx, leopards and other big cats there.

Tourists take a bus, which is specially protected by wire mesh, and can see the tigers walking leisurely in their natural surroundings. Visitors can also buy live animals to feed them, including ducks, chickens and even cows.