Hundreds of gigantic, intricate ice and snow sculptures line both sides of the banks of the frozen Songhua River, which cuts through Harbin.

BBC: Chill out in China: Harbin��s Ice and Snow Festival

China's best ski slopes are at the nearby Yabuli Ski Resort, while in Harbin itself the Songhua River provides space for ice skaters and ice hockey games.

BBC: Chill out in China: Harbin��s Ice and Snow Festival