Ice: an opportunity

Ice and snow culture has brought great opportunities to Harbin, which has developed a reputation as a prosperous globalized city. Much has changed in Harbin over the last few decades as development has radically transformed the cityscape. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the locals’ passion for the cold.

Harbin’s winter is long, lasting from November through to mid-March. People born and raised here have adapted to the harsh climate by learning to have fun outdoors throughout the year. Dressed in thick quilted thermal clothing, they are fearless of the cold.

Harbin kids’ favorite outdoor winter activity is whipping a spinning top on the ice, precisely and regularly to keep it spinning on the slippery surface. Tops come in different shapes and sizes, and are made of either wood or metal. The current craze is a top that hums as it spins.

Sleigh riding is another popular pastime. Even children under 10 years old are adept at making a simple sleigh for themselves. A common construction method is to first saw two logs to the same length, then nail boards tangentially to connect the two logs. The last step is to attach two iron bars to the underside of the logs as skates.

Sleighs also have many practical functions. With a rope, kids can pull along their brothers or sisters for fun. It’s also a transportation tool with which kids can fetch groceries for their parents.

Kids in Harbin love sleigh riding. Find a slope covered in ice and you are bound to see kids careering downhill, in or out of control. Tourists can also rent sleighs from around the town. It’s great fun to feel the cold wind on your face as you gather speed, and climbing back to the top of the hill keeps you warm.

Skating is another choice pastime. In Harbin, skaters are ubiquitous. They take to either manmade rinks or the frozen surface of the Songhua River. Almost every resident in Harbin learns to skate in his or her youth. Everyone is an expert, and many also enjoy figure skating. The energy of skaters expressed in pirouettes and leaps cogently symbolizes the vitality of the city in winter.

Harbin residents have formed an inseparable bond with ice and snow. Having grown up in these harsh climatic conditions, locals are tough, rugged people, but warm and friendly to all who visit their city and show an interest in their lives.