Harbin, the venerable Ice City, is known for its picturesque Russian-influenced architecture, its magnificent ice sculptures and the bitterly cold winters giving rise to them. Owing to its historic trade link with Russia, this former village has swelled over recent centuries to become the capital and largest city in China’s north-western Heilongjiang Province. The city’s surprising blend of Chinese and European architecture, particularly along the Zhongyang Dajie (a pedestrianized street), is one of Harbin’s main draws alongside its Ice and Snow festival in early January, which attracts visitors from around the world. Harbin is incredibly cold in winter - temperatures often to plunge beyond minus 30 degrees Celsius. During the winter months, locals head for nearby ski resorts, or take to the city’s frozen lakes and rivers for ice skating, sledding, and leisurely walks. The long, hot days of summer send residents flocking to the city’s many beer gardens. These often stay open late into the evening and offer ‘al fresco’ dining and live music. Summer Island is popular among locals as a shady retreat for picnics and rowing. The city also boasts many parks, temples and shrines belonging to a wide range of different religions. Harbin’s famous DongBei (northeast) food is a real treat. Regional dishes contain potatoes and Chinese cabbages, with suancai (sour cabbage) particularly favored in winter. A wide range of other flavors can also be found, from Russian, Korean and Japanese, to Indian curries and Cantonese dumplings. The incorrigible westerner can find a handful of fast food chains such as Pizza Hut. While Starbucks has yet to stake a claim here, Hamamas Café across from the Ha Gong Da (HIT, Harbin Institute of Technology), serves up decent coffee, burgers, cheesecakes and milkshakes. The city boasts a passable nightlife, with three of its streets dominated by bars and restaurants catering to both locals and foreigners. While not as cosmopolitan as Shanghai or Beijing, Harbin is a beguiling city with a unique culture.