A memory of Harbin has been frozen in my mind since 2010—a winter wonderland of ice, beautiful but modest in its scale. To return in 2025 was to step into a completely different realm. The quiet festival I remembered had erupted into a sprawling, glittering metropolis of ice, its growth supercharged by the energy of hosting this year's Asian Winter Olympics. The air buzzed with an international spirit, reflected in the colossal ice sculptures that paid homage to famous landmarks across Asia, each one a testament to how this frozen city had claimed its spot on the world stage.

But for all its modern grandeur, what truly captivates me about Harbin is the history that whispers from beneath the ice. Many visitors see only the spectacle, but the city’s soul is deeply intertwined with Russia. It’s a story that begins with Russian settlers who crossed a bridge they themselves had built, weaving their culture into the fabric of Harbin. You can still see the ghosts of their influence in the swooping, European-style architecture and taste it in the local food. The famous Harbin sausage, a savory legacy of that community, is a flavor you won't find anywhere else in China. It’s a poignant history, too; many of the ornate, onion-domed Russian churches were tragically destroyed during the Chinese Revolution, but the cultural echoes remain.

As I wandered through this kingdom of light, I found myself wondering about the magic behind it all. Where did this impossible amount of ice come from? The answer, I learned, lies in the mighty Songhua River and a feat of incredible foresight. The festival’s creation begins the winter before, when workers descend upon the frozen river to harvest massive, crystal-clear blocks of ice. Their secret to preserving this raw material through the warmer months is brilliantly simple: they bury the blocks under thick layers of insulating moss.

Then, as the next winter approaches, a frenzy of activity begins. In a breathtaking race against time, thousands of workers—sculptors, engineers, and laborers—descend on the site. In just two weeks, they transform the stored ice into the dazzling city of sculptures that will stand for about a month. Knowing this process made the experience all the more magical; it wasn't just art, but a testament to human creativity and resilience against the brutal cold.

I always believe the best travel is about discovery, and Harbin was full of stories waiting to be found. It’s more than a festival; it’s a living museum of history, a marvel of ingenuity, and a celebration of light in the darkest part of winter. If you ever get the chance to step into this frozen fairy tale for yourself, I promise you’ll leave with more than just beautiful pictures—you’ll leave with a sense of wonder. Just be sure to bundle up.