Harbin's snowy charm

Before her trip to Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, 25-year-old Miriam Verzellino from Italy could hardly imagine just how cold it could be in the northernmost place she'd ever traveled to. "I wore about six layers, and finally — I felt too warm!" she laughed.

But it wasn't the cold that left the biggest impression on her — it was the enchanting, snow-covered city.

"I'm from southern Italy, where snow isn't very common," she said. "So, when I saw the entire city blanketed in white, it felt like magic."

Currently studying at the Communication University of China (CUC) in Beijing, Verzellino visited Harbin as part of the second Global Youth Bilingual Broadcast Announcing and Anchoring Contest, organized by CUC. From Jan 2 to 6, more than 20 young people from China, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and Tanzania explored the city's winter wonderland.

For 19-year-old Yang Qihang, a fellow CUC student, this was also his first trip to Harbin, and he was captivated by its cultural diversity.

"I could really sense the blend of exotic charm here," he said. "Many buildings feature elaborate European-style facades, with classical domes, spires, and intricately carved windows."