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.