A Two-Day Harbin Itinerary

Daytime

After arrival or a leisurely breakfast, catch a taxi to the snow sculpture park on Sun Island. The snow sculptures are astounding and extensive; in 2008 they included a huge pavilion resembling something from the Forbidden City, as well as fanciful chariots, gods and goddesses, Rodin reproductions, and some modern sculptures so striking you wish they wouldn't melt. Expect to spend one-two hours outside in the cold.

Optional:

• If time permits and you are so inclined, visit the nearby Siberian Tiger Park, a breeding center for these rare animals. We didn't do so, in part because of reports that visitors purchase live chickens to feed the tigers.
• Have a drink of Russian Standard vodka inside a bar made entirely of ice.

Evening

The highlight of your visit is the ice lantern exhibition (also known as Ice and Snow World), which opens as soon as it gets dark. Plan on a very early or a very late supper and go when it opens, as it doesn't stay open late. It's utter fairyland. Walk the circuit of enormous buildings constructed blocks of ice and wired and lit in fanciful colors. This year these included Westminster Abbey, the Acropolis, and a large palace with a rink where Russian dancers gave a fantastic show of ice-dancing. You will probably want to spend more time, but will leave after one-two hours to warm up.