China rebuilt famous world monuments out of ice, because China

Unless it’s keeping your whiskey cool, ice is the worst. But people are willing to do all sorts of crazy cold things, like booze in bars made out of the stuff, and even sleep in modern-day igloos, so China's Harbin Ice Festival (Jan 5th–Feb 28th) will no doubt warm the hearts of some of the Snow Misers amongst you.

Ice Festival Festival

Fest-goers needn’t travel far to see the Empire State Building, Reykjavik’s Hallgrimskirkja church (with a 240m-long slide, if you don't mind freezing your butt off), or the Colosseum. Like a much colder Vegas, Harbin’s full of corny replicas.

Ice Festival Harbin

Towering over visitors, the fest's illuminated structures -- made entirely out of chiseled H2O -- are among its most impressive attractions. Some are even alcohol-themed, for adult ice aficionados.

harbin ice festival bridge
Ice Festival Harbin

Even the bridges are frozen solid (just like the traffic on the GW -- boom tish).

snow sculpture harbin ice festival
Ice Festival Harbin

Colossal snow sculptures, like this one, put your sad backyard snowman to shame…

harbin ice festival snow sculpture
Ice Festival Harbin

…as will this copyright-violating Disney version.

harbin ice festival snow castle
Wikipedia user Shanghai killer whale

You can probably even buy bootleg DVDs of Frozen at their "Magic Kingdom" landmark.

ice swimming
Ice Festival Harbin

For stupid brave souls willing to bare their chests, winter swimming's another popular pastime at Harbin, especially among the Speedo-clad (Superman pose: optional).

Chloe Pantazi is an editorial assistant on Thrillist's travel team. Yes, that's a British accent. No, she doesn't watch Doctor Who. Follow her on Twitter at @ChloePantazi.