Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, Ice City
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival was established in 1985. Harbin is the capital city of the Heilongjiang Province which is the most north-easterly part of China and borders Russia. During the long cold winter months the temperature can drop down to as low as -22°F (-30°C). Subsequently, the ‘Ice City’ of Harbin is recognized as the cradle of ice and snow art in China and is famous for its exquisite and artistic ice and snow sculpture.
Snow carvings, ice lanterns, fireworks display and snow recreations make Harbin one of China’s most popular winter destinations. Skiing and ice sliding are popular activities. The fabulous Ice Lantern Festival was the forerunner of the current festival and is still the best loved part of the overall event in the opinion of all who come to Harbin each year.
The Harbin International Ice Festival is one of world’s four largest international ice festivals, along with Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada’s Quebec Winter Carnival, and Norway’s Ski Festival. It starts annually on January 5 and lasts for over one month. During this period, people throughout the world take part in the various artist, cultural, athletic and tourist events. The 26th Harbin Ice and Snow Festival began on January 5, 2010
