Harbin, China—nicknamed the “Ice City” for its long, harsh winters

iss074e0044347 (Jan. 3, 2026) --- Harbin, China—nicknamed the “Ice City” for its long, harsh winters and home to about 10.6 million people—is pictured at approximately 3:28 a.m. local time from the International Space Station as it orbited 266 miles above the Asian continent. The city hosts the world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and serves as an economic hub for manufacturing, energy, and education. Credit: JAXA/Kimiya Yui