Without
doubt, the best and most spectacular activities here take place in
winter, usually on the ice.
The Yabuli
Ski Resort, is a good place to take part in all kinds of winter
sports, including skiing, sledging and ice sailing.
Harbin residents (and brave outsiders)
also test their bravery and health by leaping into the icy cold
water!! Taking part may not be much fun but watching can be
invigorating in itself.
In fact, the locals swim here on a fairly
regular basis, claiming that the air temperature feels less Baltic
after a regular dip in the freezing ice.
While Harbin is largely famous for being
freezing, the summers here can also be pleasant and sweltering hot.
Sun bathing, camping, hunting and barbecues are all popular in the
fairer months, as is the Music Festival.
For those seeking entertainment of a more
western style, the options are pretty limited. There are a few decent
bars in the upmarket hotels. For something a little more alternative,
try the Hans International Bar on Zhongshan Jie.
This place has decent decoration, no karaoke room and live music most
nights.
