Memoirs of Beijing

When other cities in China lose their tourists during the winter months, Harbin is quite the opposite. The allure of Harbin during winter drives tourists to visit in droves. Foreign and local tourists flock this city during winter albeit the freezing weather to enjoy the Ice and Snow Festival which opens every year on January 5.

If you plan to head up north when the Ice and Snow Festival is on, here are some things that you should be aware of:

• Train tickets to and from Harbin are sold out within the first 10 minutes when it becomes available. Particularly train tickets for the Friday night sleeper train with return on Sunday night.
• You will more or less pay the full air ticket price during weekends.
• Airport buses to the city are available at RMB 20 per person.
• It is advisable to hire a car in advance than wing it by taking public buses or taxis if you plan to go around the city. Buses to the main tourist spots are infrequent and are always full. Taxis are limited and will most likely pick up passengers along the route.

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On my previous blog, I’ve written ten things I hate about China.  Just like in any thing we shouldn’t just look at the bad in things but the good as well.  As such, here are things I love about China.

1.  Low Utility Fees – the government control the utility fees and for the past 3 years I’ve been in Beijing, I spend roughly 50 rmb for Electricity each month.  Water fee is also minimal and we don’t have any restrictions on how much you use.  I know I know.. I should conserve water which I do.

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