Ice, Onion Domes, and Hot Buns — A Winter’s Day in Harbin

If you’ve ever wondered what a Russian fairytale might look like in China, Harbin is the answer. I arrived in Harbin on a crisp winter morning, my breath visible in the air and my eyelashes already gathering frost. The city feels like a magical blend of old Europe and northeast China, with a dusting of snow on everything. My first stop was the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral. With its green onion dome and red brick walls, it stands proudly in the city center like a piece of Russia frozen in time. It no longer functions as a church, but inside there’s a small museum about Harbin’s past — railways, Russians, and ice. Next, I strolled along Zhongyang Street, a pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with Russian-style buildings, bakeries, and charming cafés. I grabbed a piping-hot Russian-style meat bun and a cup of sweet milk tea with walnuts — both perfect for fighting the cold. Of course, no trip to Harbin in winter is complete without seeing the Ice and Snow World. As the sun set, I headed across the river where giant palaces made of ice began to glow in rainbow colors. Walking among the ice castles — complete with slides, towers, and frozen staircases — felt like stepping into a frozen dream. I ended the day with a bowl of Harbin’s famous dongbei suan cai stew, warming my hands on the bowl and my heart with the city’s quiet charm. Harbin isn’t just cold — it’s cool, romantic, and unlike anywhere else in China. A place where frost bites your cheeks but leaves your memories glowing warm.