PPIT HARBIN

Harbin's Winter

 

Harbin is infamous for its very cold winters - it has a continental climate, and is at the same latitude as Montreal - and winter temperatures as low as −38 °C (−36 °F) have been recorded, though in January daytime temperatures average −12 °C (10 °F). Bring more clothes than you will think you will need so that you can layer. Winter can become dreary if you are a long-term resident, as the entire city uses coal for heat; air quality rapidly decreases during these months.

 

Tourists can buy all the winter outfits in Harbin, and at very good prices. For safety concerns, it is not suggested to wear or buy outfits in white color, because with snow all over the city, especially at ski resorts, white clothes might make it not easy for others to notice you and cause possible collision.

 

Hand warmers, foot warmers and heating pads are available in stores and supermarkets, and at very low price. They are disposable small packets which produce heat, when stuck to (never directly onto the skin because this can cause burn) specific parts of the body, such as knees, belly and feet, and the heat can last about 10 – 12 hours.

 

When using electronic products outdoors, such as camera, mobile phone, PSP, or MP3, please try to keep them from the cold, and put them in the pocket or small bag whenever you finish using them, so that the battery will keep working. Taking one or two extra batteries is advisable.