The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin

Seemingly etched out of crystal, The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin’s angular glass facade takes inspiration from the splintering sheets of ice that blanket the Songhua River, just below, each winter. The luxury hotel celebrates Harbin’s natural beauty in many ways, from its stunning exterior and interior design to art collection and spa treatments. Famed for its annual Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin is among the most popular winter destinations in China, though The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin makes a great case for visiting any time of year. Floor-to-ceiling windows show off the city’s skyline from the tower’s top floors and a stunning spa provides a tranquil retreat from the bustle below.A duo of restaurants serves up global flavors and Cantonese delights, while plush accommodations, complete with deep soaking tubs, provide a cozy place to rest — and warm up — after a long day exploring China’s “Ice City.”