Summer travel is in full swing in China’s “ice city” Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
Due to big temperature differences between day and night, Harbin has a reputation for its cool and comfortable weather in summer, drawing thousands of tourists seeking a cool escape from the scorching weather.
"The temperature in my hometown is over 30 degrees Celsius, while the highest temperature in Harbin is only over 20 degrees. I came here to escape the heat," said Mr. Liu, who traveled from north China’s Hebei during the summer vacation. He was deeply impressed by the pleasant weather in Harbin.
Various districts in Harbin have taken advantage of rich resources such as forest parks and urban wetlands to create distinctive tourism projects, including fishing, camping, and outdoor activities.
This summer, a live-action performance "Encounter Harbin" was staged at the Sun Island scenic spot. With dazzling stage effects, the performance integrates drama, singing and dancing, acrobatics, water shows, and other forms of entertainment, presenting the audience with a splendid feast for the eyes.
In Harbin's Daowai District, Chinese and Western architectural styles fuse into a baroque-style historical and cultural block. Browsing in creative bookstores, listening to traditional Chinese crosstalk, tasting local specialties, and dressing in period costumes for photoshoots have all become must-do activities for tourists.
This photo shows a view of a baroque-style historical and cultural block in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)
Stepping into the indoor ski resort in Harbin New District, tourists get an instant chill as the facility maintains temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius below zero.
Covering an area of 80,000 square meters, the indoor ski resort features eight snow trails and a vertical drop of up to 80 meters.
Skiers ski at the indoor ski resort in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Yang Xuan)
"We come to ski three or four times a week," said Yang Le, a skiing enthusiast from Harbin, who enjoys the thrill of snowboarding with his friends.
"The maximum number of skiers we’ve had in one day was 3,500 this summer, with ages ranging from 5 to over 60," a staff member said, noting that the resort received 320,000 tourists last year.
“Professional ski teams from Russia, South Korea and Japan also train here during the summer,” he added.
In July, an indoor ice and snow theme park opened to the public in Harbin. With a construction area of 23,800 square meters, the park features nine themed areas showcasing lifelike ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lighting.
Multiple elements such as ice and snow, entertainment, interaction, and sound and light effects blend together, allowing tourists to embark on a magical journey in the hot summer days.
