The Harbin branch of Daka Travel Photography has received 40 to 50 customers each day during this winter season.

Zhao Wenlin, manager of the business, said: "Most of our customers come from southern areas of China, such as Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, as well as Shanghai. Their ages range from 8 to around 50 years old.

"Daka Travel Photography, which is based in Beijing, has branches nationwide, but the one in Harbin is by far the company's busiest," she said. "There are at least 100 photographic shops in the surrounding area, and our staff usually work from 9 am to midnight."

As the snow and ice economy continues to boom, Harbin has once again jumped to the top of the winter travel list for domestic and foreign tourists.

The ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games has also been a big draw for international tourists this winter, offering an even bigger boost to the already vigorous local ice and snow economy.

Harbin Railway Station, with its European-style architecture, has also gained fame on social media.