Child's play

If you visit the ice festival in Harbin this month, the guidebooks won't tell you how to find the long, slick spot on the river bank, where you can slide butt-first down a chute of frozen reeds and slide smoothly onto the river's glassy surface.

Your hotel concierge probably won't mention it, either. The best way to experience such off-the-radar joys, I've found, is to take direction from some local kids.

Many travelers sigh that it's not easy to meet locals, especially on a quick trip where there is a language barrier. But if some youngsters approach you for a photo, for example, you've found the perfect locals to hang out with for a bit.