Molly Show: 'Ice City' Harbin offers cozy getaway for tourists

(ECNS) -- A Northeast China city has become the top destination for tourists in the New Year.

Visitors took a long journey to this ice city Harbin in Heilongjiang Province.

Harbin Ice and Snow World attracted 40,000 visitors in less than three hours on the opening day, boosting its online popularity by 300 percent.

Although the temperature is below zero, people revel in the ice and snow world.

And what to have to feel cool? Maybe the juice of a frozen pear. It is icy, sweet, and refreshing; or a Modern Popsicle, which is of milk flavor and delicious.

Tourists can also savor cakes in the shape of St. Sofia Cathedral.

Unique ice and snow resources have laid the foundation for Harbin's economic transformation, and the hospitality of this city added the icing on the cake.

To let visitors experience the generosity of Northeast China, locals slice the frozen pears and plate them beautifully, and add sugar to bean curd jelly to cater to their taste.

They have placed carpets along the Central Avenue, and built warm rest spots on the square.

Recalling the years of debate over sweet and salty bean curd jelly many locals typically say, "Harbin, you have grown unfamiliar."

From the hot air balloons rising over Songhua River, to the symphony orchestra in the shopping mall; from the intangible cultural heritage shows of "iron-water splashing", to the artificial moon over the Cathedral, Harbin has created multiple romances for tourists. 

In this "feel-at-home" ice city, animals also join in. A black horse with a pair of wings takes visitors to the "eastern Hogwarts." Arctic foxes lay subdued in the arms of tourists. Mighty Siberian tigers reveal their bellies.

Penguins cheerfully carry small backpacks.

Harbin residents offer everything they have to their "guests".

Harbin has surely shot to fame, deserving its explosive popularity. 

Welcome to this hospitable city！