Harbin is the largest city in the northeastern part of China. While not a major domestic tourist destination by any means, the city turns famous every winter with an amazing ice festival where the a wonderland of ice, snow, and lights makes surviving cold temperatures a worthwhile sacrifice.
It is a relatively new city, originally a Russian outpost and signs of their presence still stand today, albeit crumbling. International investment hasn't made it too far here yet, so this legacy remains preserved and fairly easy to find strolling around the city centre's streets.
Harbin is only a 2 hour flight or a 7.5 hour high-speed train ride from Beijing. Book your hotel early as the tourists flood in during the winter months.
