Heavenly Haerbin, China

When I saw Alfred's pictures of Haerbin last year, I was mesmerised. The snow and ice sculptures were breathtaking, and it certainly looks fun. I asked him loads of questions, as his trip pique my interest on Haerbin :)

And a year later, I managed to make a trip to Haerbin- which was a truly unforgettable experience.

My main visit was obviously for Haerbin's famed annual Ice and Snow Festival and we went early this year. The first question when I returned from this trip was the same.. Was it really as cold as it looks?

Yes, it was- but it's still bearable if you walk really, really fast :p

First day in Haerbin was a whirlwind- we flew in from Shanghai- met our local driver and rushed off for some shopping (to buy snow boots), checking in into our hotel, dinner and then to the Ice Festival.

It was a long queue driving into the Ice Festival as everyone was there in the evening to enjoy the scenery at night..

Entrance fee was RM100, and the moment I entered, I was amazed at the sheer size of the Ice World..

I simply cannot imagine the number of months the local master carvers took to construct the Ice World...

Their skills were incredible.

The theme was famous monuments/ landmarks around the world, all lighted bright with neon lights within the ice cubes. We only lasted about 2 hours in there, the cold was unbearable as the temperature dips further later at night.

We went for the Snow World the next day, just before sunset. Entrance fee was RM75.

Complex snow carvings were featured here, we were impressed with their immaculate, detailed carvings- obviously plenty of care and attention was placed into each piece.

When night falls, the carvings were illuminated with coloured lights, giving each artwork a different look compared to day time..

The coverage area was even larger than the Ice World, I dont think I manage to see all of the carvings :(. It was just freezing cold by night. I was ready to surrender when we reached the largest of the display..So grand, but my camera decided to give up on me when we reached. This was the only shot I got before my camera kaputed..

Haerbin town exuded a totally different atmosphere compared to other China towns..

Their architecture skewed towards European, especially Russia. In winter, the age old buildings looks very elegant, walking around town was a pleasure.

A Russian Church now converted into a museum

Haerbin Railway Station

We had quite a lot of coffee stops in town- a place to seek warmth before we continued strolling to our next destination..

One famous extreme activity for the locals (and the daring tourists) during winter was to swim in the Songhua river..What gave them the guts to do that beats me (it was -28 degrees and snowing when I was taking this shot), but I sure salute them! Brrrrr!

We took an overnight trip to Snow Village, a 5 hours drive from Haerbin to experience a short stay up in the snow mountains..

The trip up the mountains for the sunset took my breath away..

The pristine, soft snow that stretched for miles, the sunset's colours on the landscape and the calmness I felt was unforgettable.

Worth freezing my @$$ up there :p

The Snow Village town was very charming..

Lively during the day and tranquil at night. But the food was less comforting (especially for Alfred :p), that will be in another post altogether..

Although I've heard so much about the low hygiene level and rudeness of the locals, I actually didnt find it that bad and had a fantatstic time in Haerbin and Snow Village. It was good fun, with great company and amazing landscape for all of us to keep in our memories for a long, long time.