Xi's taste for treat boosts Russian ice cream craze

Chen Xiaochen, a 32-year-old resident of Harbin, bought an ice cream cone on Tuesday, even though daytime temperatures dropped to 7 C in the northeastern Chinese city.

The Russian-made ice cream she bought was only 10 yuan ($1.50), making it an affordable treat. "I particularly like Russian ice cream, as it has a flavorful milk taste, strictly selected raw materials without any additives, and it's reasonably priced," Chen said.

Before it was as widely available locally, she and her friends used to order boxes of ice cream from Russia and have it shipped to the city.