2026’s Icy Adventure: Hello from Harbin!

Hi everyone,

Long time no type! First thing first… Happy 2026! How did you celebrate? I kicked off mine by pretending to live in an actual freezer. Yep, I’m in Harbin, China, where cold doesn’t even begin to cover it. Let me paint the picture. At noon, it’s -17°C. That’s cold enough to make your tears freeze. But by nighttime? We’re talking -28°C. That’s the kind of cold where your phone battery gives up and your eyelashes get frosty. Sounds wild, right?

But here’s the secret. If you dress like an onion, layer after layer after layer, you actually start having fun. I’m wrapped up so much I can barely move my arms, but hey, I’m warm(ish) and loving it! I can’t possibly tell you everything in one go, this trip deserves a few stories. But let me start with the basics.

Harbin is famous as the Ice City in winter. And it totally lives up to the name. Imagine walking down a street where instead of buildings, you see giant castles, animals, and sculptures… all made of ice. And not just small ones, I’m talking ice buildings taller than houses! Because it’s so insanely cold, these icy artworks don’t melt, even in sunlight. It’s like a sparkling, frozen wonderland everywhere you look. Mind-blowing stuff.

Talk about first impression. This was my welcome sight just moments before landing.

This scene holds a piece of forever in it.

But there’s more! As soon as the sun sets, Harbin becomes what I’d like to call, the Light City. Every building, tree, and street lights up in bright, beautiful colors. It’s not just one or two spots. The whole city agrees to glow together. Walking around feels like being inside a rainbow or a giant fairy tale. With all those lights shining all night, they must use crazy amounts of electricity. Maybe they have a secret power plant run by yetis. No surprise there!

Extra glow, courtesy of the moon

The roadside trees are all dressed up in twinkling lights.

 

My kind of walk.

So that’s my quick intro to life in the freezer. I’ve still got a few more days here to explore, take silly photos in my marshmallow outfit, and drink a lot of hot coffee. More stories (and maybe a tip on how to wear five layers of clothes) coming soon.

Bye for now, stay warm! ❄️✨