Vietnamese guests show how to cope with the minus 30 degrees Celsius cold in Harbin

Theo China Daily, Harbin is currently the most famous destination in China and attracts a large number of Vietnamese tourists this winter. The highlight of the city is the world’s largest ice festival “Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival”, and Harbin Fashion Week.

To prepare for the trip in harsh weather conditions, Ms. Huyen Trang, from Ho Chi Minh City, had an 8-day trip to Harbin in mid-January, with Mr. Huynh Manh, who has 5 years of experience leading international tours for Bucketravel Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Company, sharing notes on clothing, eating and traveling to help tourists adapt to -30 degrees Celsius.

Time

Ms. Huyen Trang visited prominent destinations including the ice exhibition, fashion show, Tuyet Huong village, Yabuli ski field. According to her, the golden time to go to Harbin is from January 5 to the end of February.

If you want to avoid the crowded sea of ​​people but still see all the completed ice works, you should go in January. This is when the ice is freshest, clearest and sharpest. You should avoid going during the Lunar New Year because then, visitors may have to queue for three hours for each game.

Skin

The climate in Northeast China is cold continental, with prolonged low temperatures but not dry or humid like coastal or humid temperate regions. The average temperature fluctuates around -20 to -10 degrees Celsius, sometimes dropping as low as -30 degrees Celsius during extreme cold spells. The weather is dry, there is a lot of snow, and there are strong winds, creating an icy world but also affecting health if not carefully prepared.

“Don’t underestimate the bitter cold of northeastern China, be prepared,” said Ms. Trang. Visitors should prepare standard “Expedition Grade” gear. To stay warm and comfortable, dressing in layers is important.

– The innermost layer: Should be a thermal shirt, thermal pants, good moisture absorbent material such as synthetic fiber or mixed cotton. Absolutely do not wear 100% cotton because sweat will make you cold. Choose a specialized thermal suit with heattech technology (Extra Warm line) or lamb’s wool.

– Middle layer: Sweatshirt or thick fleece sweater.

– Outer layer: Thick coat, parka or windproof and water-resistant down jacket, should wear knee-length to cover thighs.

– Wool hat that covers the ears, leather gloves or ski gloves, large scarf.

– Use specialized snow boots with thick fur lining inside, anti-slip soles, and thick socks.

– Use thermal patches on the back and soles of the feet.

Anti-glare sunglasses are also useful for protecting your eyes when light reflects off the snow.

– Moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen to prevent dry skin.

Eat and drink

According to Mr. Manh, dry and cold air causes the body to lose water faster than usual. Guests can bring a thermos filled with hot water or ginger tea to warm the body from the inside.

Cold weather will make the body feel hungry quickly. Hot drinks and foods high in protein will help the body maintain temperature, be strong enough to cope and reduce the feeling of cold when participating in outdoor activities.

Restaurants mainly serve grilled and spicy food. If you cannot eat these foods, you should notify the tour organizer in advance or bring food that suits your taste.

Preserve electronic equipment

Low temperatures will cause the battery of your phone, camera or other electronic devices to drain quickly. Travelers should bring backup chargers, keep devices in bags close to the body to keep warm, and ensure devices always work when needed. You can attach a thermal pad to the back of the phone.

Other notes

Streets and parks in Harbin in winter are often covered with thick snow and ice, making them slippery, requiring visitors to use specialized shoes when moving.

To limit travel in cold weather, visitors should prioritize choosing hotels with good heating systems in central areas or near tourist attractions. The schedule needs to be adjusted flexibly and proactively shortened if the body shows signs of not adapting to low temperatures, to avoid letting the cold penetrate deeply and affect your health.

In addition to the famous ice festival, Harbin also has many historical, cultural and architectural values. Thoughtful preparation helps make the trip complete with many discovery experiences, while being safe and convenient.