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The festival began as a traditional ice lantern show and winter garden party in Harbin during the 20th century. However, it has now become significantly larger.
The city is formed by using 110,000 cubic meters (3.88 million cubic feet) of ice and 120,000 cubic meters (4.24 million cubic feet) of snow.
The city covers a vast area of 600,000 square meters (150 acres), boasting over 100 icy landmarks.
When night falls, the city undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a vibrant and enchanting realm illuminated by fireworks.
Not even the warmth of a newly bonded love could melt that ice!
A mass wedding occurred against the enchanting backdrop of the festival's icy fortresses in extremely cold temperatures.
China is known for its over-the-top displays, but their city of ice is beyond impressive.
Experience the joy of being Elsa from 'Frozen' in an ice city!
The festival draws in more than one million visitors annually.
Due to the city's size and variety of parks, it is recommended to take a charming winter train to explore the different areas.
You can also enjoy a fairy-tale ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Alternatively, you can have a family member pull you on a sled for fun.
The city center's prominent sign announces a "New era in China."
The location bears a strong resemblance to the ideal backdrop for the White Walkers featured in 'Game of Thrones.'
There are very few other places in the world where you can walk through a city lit up like this.
The ice transforms into enchanting shades of amethyst, quartz, amber, emerald, and turquoise when illuminated by the perfect light.
This immense ice block is impressive to look at, but you'll be even more impressed when you learn its source in a few more clicks.
You'll reach speeds that snow-sledding could never achieve!
There are five massive and exciting slides constructed entirely from ice.
You have the opportunity to experience hot-air balloon rides, take a dip in icy waters, and witness ice-sculpting contests.
In 2019, a display of 2,019 snowmen occupied the Songhua River's surface.
It's a fantastic and lively winter experience, enhanced by the dedication of numerous hardworking adults.
Walking through an ice palace is a breathtaking experience, surpassing the grandeur of ordinary brick buildings.
Chinese workers use a machine to extract sizable ice blocks from the frozen Songhua River.
In preparation for the festival, these workers gather and transport approximately 200,000 cubic meters (7.06 million cubic feet) of ice to the location.
According to reports, the majority of the cutters are local farmers who begin their work before sunrise, enduring freezing temperatures, and earning approximately US$35 per day.
Swing saws are utilized to create blocks from ice carved out of the Songhua River. These blocks are then lifted and arranged within an intricate scaffolding system.
The addition of lights transforms the ice into a magnificent creation, truly building the city from scratch.
An aerial view of the ice city would surely put every other city to shame. A monumental masterpiece destined for a short lifespan.
Many teams from different countries participate in a competition to create ice sculptures that will eventually return to the earth.
One artist etched the texture of wood onto ice, in a form of art that is so poetic in the way that it cannot be preserved.
This is from 2007, but every year the sculptures are just as astonishing as the last.
Harbin is situated in the northeastern part of China and experiences harsh winter winds originating from Siberia, Russia. The typical winter temperature in Harbin is approximately -16.8°C (1.8°F), with occasional drops as low as -25°C (-13°F).
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the biggest ice festival in the world that takes place in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. This annual winter event occurs during the depths of winter and lasts for approximately two months, allowing visitors to marvel at the impressive collection of enormous ice sculptures.
Discover the remarkable frozen beauty of the city and witness the incredible process behind this grand winter celebration. And if you can't escape the cold, why not embrace it and be a part of it!
In pictures: China's magnificent city of ice
The largest celebration of ice on the planet
TRAVEL Curiosities
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the biggest ice festival in the world that takes place in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. This annual winter event occurs during the depths of winter and lasts for approximately two months, allowing visitors to marvel at the impressive collection of enormous ice sculptures.
Discover the remarkable frozen beauty of the city and witness the incredible process behind this grand winter celebration. And if you can't escape the cold, why not embrace it and be a part of it!