Shungli square in winter in Anshan

The centre of most Chinese cities is taken up with a large city square in front of the main government offices. Anshan city, in Liaoning is no exception. This photo was taken in the winter from one of the many tower blocks that surround the central square area.

Snow and Ice World festival in Harbin, China

Harbin city, in the far North East of China, is a bitterly cold place in winter with temperatures often blow -24°C. Where better to hold the worlds largest Snow and Ice Festival. Every year during winter, several area of parkland around the city of Harbin and transformed in to massive cities of ice. The carved ice is filled with lights causing the place to come alive at night. A must see event for the winter traveller.

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

Classical Chinese Gardens are chaotic and restrained, simple but complex, open but enclosed. They are full of wondrous contradictions. This pool and building are in the middle of Shanghai’s Yuyuan gardens. An excellent escape from the noise and traffic of the city.