
Ice and Snow: Romance in the Cold
Heilongjiang is the northeasternmost province in China, with latitudes ranging from 43°26′ N in the south to 53°33′ N in the north. While much of China is located in the mesothermal zone, where cold temperatures are relatively mild, Heilongjiang experiences extremely low winter temperatures, creating a stark contrast. Nevertheless, many tourists brave the wind and snow to enjoy the Ice and Snow World and world-class ski resorts. Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, captures the world's attention during the northern hemisphere's winter. Often referred to as the Paris of the East, it boasts a stunning snowy landscape that Paris lacks.
Ice and snow culture shares a common historical background in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. In China, ancient people celebrated events such as ice lantern festivals and snow lantern displays, transforming the cold into a source of passion. Sports like skiing, ice skating, and ice sculpting have been passed down through generations, attracting broad participation.
In Heilongjiang, the extremely cold climate and abundant water vapor create significant snowfall. Different ethnic groups, including Manchus, Russians, Mongols, and Han people, coexist and enrich the region's culture. Since the 1960s, Harbin has emerged as a representative city for Heilongjiang, developing ice and snow tourism, with the Ice and Snow Festival as a starting point. This initiative has fostered growth in ice and snow-related tourism, sports, tournaments, and cultural activities, establishing a distinctive cultural branch.
Once one of the political centers of Northeast Asia, Harbin is signaling the arrival of a new chapter as the City of Ice and Snow, the City of Sports, and the City of Olympic Champions. Harbin will host the 9th Asian Winter Games in February 2025, and following the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, it will once again ignite the sacred flame.