Photo taken on Dec. 27, 2023 shows the Harbin Ice and Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

This winter, Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, as the forerunner of ice and snow tourism, has attracted many a tourist with its unique ice and snow views and vibrant cultural activities. On January 5, the 2024 China Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum held in Harbin released a report on China's ice and snow tourism development, ranking Harbin as the top destination among the "Top 10 Cities for Ice and Snow Tourism in 2024." Other than Harbin, many ice and snow programs in other places have also garnered significant attention, beckoning travelers to explore their fun.

Harbin Polarpark

Since the first snowflake falls in Harbin, China's "ice city," visitors can spot the superstar — Gentoo penguins — with their distinctive orange-white backpacks, hopping around the outdoor square of the polarpark at 1:30 p.m. sharp.

With small backpacks and visits to other tourist attractions in the city, the penguins are dubbed "truant penguins" and have legions of fans.

Each tour of the "truant penguins" would cause a sensation, whether it's at the Harbin Ice and Snow World, Central Avenue or the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, drawing crowds of visitors to take photos. They also gave rise to such internet hot topics as "Who can refuse the cute paces of a penguin" and "It's no secret that each Harbin local has a penguin," solidifying their status as internet celebrities.