The fun heats up when the mercury drops for people living in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces. Those who snuggle up in the warm indoors miss out on the skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, winter swimming, ice and snow sculpture viewing - not to mention enjoying such novelties as slurping a bubbling hotpot in an eatery made of ice.

The region's winter temperatures average -14 C in the northernmost province of Heilongjiang.

"Even though my friends said Harbin's ice lanterns were a must-see, I didn't believe them until I saw the lanterns with my own eyes," says Shanghai native Sun Xuemei.

"I was captivated by the fairytale-like atmosphere and would like to return if I get the chance."

Heilongjiang

Heilongjiang boasts one of the world's largest snow castles, the country's steepest ice slope, a leading snow- and ice-sculpture competition, and 20 ski resorts catering to winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.

These attractions lure more than 4 million tourists from more than 70 countries and regions every winter, the Heilongjiang tourism bureau says.

Travel agency business and ski resort attendances have increased sharply since the ski season began on Dec 5. And Harbin's hotel and resort occupancy rate has reached 90 percent, director of the bureau Bo Xiru says.

Harbin and its surrounding areas are host to four must-see spots for wintertime tourists. These sites not only provide an opportunity to enjoy the snow and ice but also to experience unique local folk customs and sample local snacks.

Ice and Snow Festival on Sun Island

This year's event features a Scandinavian theme, and visitors can stroll streets that look like those in Finland.

You can also catch group weddings on ice, a Santa Clause parade and the Snow Sprinkling Festival.

Sun Island is a 40-hectare isle in the Songhua River, which traverses Harbin from east to west. (Admission is 70 to 80 yuan)

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Located in Harbin's Songbei district, this place is sure to delight winter sport lovers.

Covering 30,000 sq m, the resort attracts more than 50,000 tourists every year. There are more than 2,000 huge ice and snow sculptures, including one of the Arc de Triomphe. (Admission is about 150 yuan).

Disney Ice Lantern Wonderland in Zhaolin Park

This year, the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival will feature Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy, Minnie and Snow White.

Visitors can also enjoy ice acrobatics, ballet, circus and dance performances at the festival, which was inaugurated in 1963.

Yabuli ski resort

As China's largest international ski resort, Yabuli provides top-class equipment and service to tourists. It offers 11 slopes for skiers of all levels.

The resort is a three-hour drive from Harbin.