Warm clothing, hot pot and even ice cream bars feature at China's ice capital

Harbin, China is experiencing its winter season, with temperatures plummeting to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). Upon arrival, tourists often head straight to stalls selling thick clothing, stocking up on warm gear for their wardrobes. Somewhat surprisingly, frozen popsicles have also become a significant part of their experience.

Every winter, this industrial city in northeastern China attracts tourists from warmer southern regions of China, eager to experience the extreme cold and admire ice sculptures carved from the frozen Songhua River. The Songhua River freezes from late October to late March. "I searched for travel tips online, and now I'm wearing knitted wool pants and my thickest sweater," said Jin Yiting, a tourist from the financial hub of Shanghai, who came to Harbin with her parents, where usually a light jacket is enough for winter.

Jin Yanlong operates a stall in a park selling winter hats, gloves, and boots. He says most of his customers are tourists from southern China who underestimated the cold in Harbin. "Some tourists are dressed 'too thinly'. They come straight here after getting off the plane. They come to us to buy cotton pants," Jin Yanlong said. Despite the cold, some curious tourists bravely try frozen treats. Zhuang Chang and his friend enjoyed Madier popsicles while strolling along a commercial street, where the architecture reflects Russia's influence on the city. The brand was founded by a Russian company in the 1900s and has gained popularity among tourists.

"Although it's cold, my heart is warm," said Zhuang Chang. He also compared the damp cold weather in his hometown of Zhejiang Province, saying, "In Zhejiang, people are chilled to the bone by the wind. But here, only my hands and face feel cold." For those seeking warmer options, there are hot drinks and steaming hot pot, a stew combining meats, vegetables, tofu, and other delicacies. Restaurant owner Chi Xuewen claims to have the world's largest hot pot, with 18 separate pots, each with different flavors, surrounding a giant bowl. "Eating anything in the hot pot makes people feel warm," said Chi Xuewen.

Li Long's restaurant uses wood to cook food, while also heating the air inside the ice structures. "The pot also emits heat," Li Long said. "Once the lid is lifted, customers can see the steaming food. All in all, it makes people feel very warm." The prolonged cold weather limits the options for local residents when it comes to fresh vegetables, so frozen food becomes an alternative. Local resident Liu Xiaohui said that frozen tofu becomes porous after being left outdoors overnight, making it particularly good at absorbing broth and flavors.