When it comes to winter in China, Harbin is always at the top of the list of the most magical destinations. This city, where ice and snow create magnificent structures, has become an ideal destination for those who love the cold and want to conquer new lands. Travel blogger Ha Hien, who just had a trip to this icy land at the beginning of the year, shares his unforgettable experiences.

Ha Hien had been planning to come to Harbin for two years, but it wasn’t until this winter that he finally had the chance to make his dream come true. He chose to come here during the New Year, the time when the city puts on its most brilliant coat with magnificent ice sculptures. As soon as he set foot in Harbin, the first feeling that hit him was the harsh cold.

"My first feeling when I first arrived in Harbin was that the cold here was no joke. I had to wear four layers of clothes and three layers of pants to withstand the -20 degrees Celsius cold here. It was like I had just entered a completely different world, where everything was covered in ice, but that's why it was so incredibly beautiful," Ha Hien shared.

When it comes to Harbin, you cannot miss the Ice and Snow Festival - one of the four largest ice and snow festivals in the world, held annually from January to February. Originating from ice sculpture competitions in the 1960s, the festival has now developed into an international event, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located in the city center, the Ice and Snow Park is home to giant ice sculptures, intricately carved and lit by millions of sparkling lights, creating a magical universe in the heart of winter.

"This is a very grand festival with magnificent ice sculptures and I am very lucky to be able to participate in this festival. The feeling of walking among these sculptures is really wonderful, I really admire the creativity and investment and elaborateness of the people of Northeast China," he expressed.

Not only can visitors admire the ice sculptures, they can also participate in exciting activities such as ice skating, sledding or enjoy spectacular light shows every evening.

Ha Hien's New Year became even more special when he decided to celebrate New Year's Eve at Tuyet Huong Village - one of the most famous winter tourist destinations in Heilongjiang Province. The village is located at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, covered in thick snow all year round, creating a magical scene like in a fairy tale. The wooden roofs covered in snow, the small paths winding through the pine forests and the bright red lanterns make the space here even more mysterious and warm.

Recalling the trip, Ha Hien still couldn't help but feel nostalgic: "When experiencing the moment of transition between the old year and the new year here, the feeling was hard to describe, like I was living in a dream. Here, tourists and locals also organized fireworks very early, from 8 pm fireworks started to light up the sky. Each cluster of brilliant fireworks combined with the magical beauty of the snow village created a truly overwhelming scene. I will always remember that moment of welcoming the new year, until now it is the most beautiful moment of my New Year's Eve celebrations."

Not only stopping at poetic landscapes, Harbin also brings real challenges for those who love wild nature. One of the prominent places for adventurous tourists is Changbai Mountain - a volcanic mountain range located on the border between China and North Korea. This is where Tianchi Lake is located, the world's highest crater lake, covered in ice all year round.

In winter, the temperature at the top of the mountain can drop below -30 degrees Celsius, with heavy snowfall and bitterly cold winds, creating a majestic yet challenging scene. To get here, visitors need to travel by specialized vehicle to the top of the mountain and must prepare warm clothing carefully. However, those who are persistent enough will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the deep blue Thien Tri Lake amidst the white landscape, creating a rare natural picture. Not everyone has the opportunity to witness this beauty, but for those who have set foot there, it is an unforgettable experience.

"When I stood on the top of the mountain, the cold wind cut through my skin, but the surrounding scenery was so surreal that it made me burst with excitement. In the midst of majestic nature, I felt so small, but also so lucky to witness a beauty that not everyone has the opportunity to experience," Hien said.

For those planning to explore this city, Ha Hien emphasizes the importance of preparing warm clothes: "You must have thermal shirts, thermal pads, waterproof gloves, thick socks and snow boots. Your phone also needs to be kept warm because the battery will run out very quickly." In addition, he also advises everyone to explore Harbin early, because "maybe in a few years, the original beauty of winter here will no longer be the same as it is now."

Harbin, with its magical scenery and memorable experiences, is definitely a destination that anyone who loves winter should visit at least once. As Ha Hien shared: "Come, feel and let the cold of this place be engraved in your memory - a memory of ice, snow, light and fairytale dreams in real life."