China
2020.12.25 22:46 GMT+8

White wonderland: Harbin Ice-Snow World wows visitors with spectacular sculptures

Updated 2020.12.25 22:46 GMT+8
By Hong Yaobin

The 37th Harbin International International Ice and Snow Festival kicks off in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, December 24, 2020. /CFP

The 22nd edition of the celebrated Harbin Ice-Snow World opens the same day.

A sculpture. /CFP

China's "Ice City" Harbin has been, again, transformed into a carnival town with fantastic ice and snow scenes with the opening of the Harbin Ice-Snow World to the public in the capital city of China's northernmost Heilongjiang Province on Thursday.

Established in 1999, the seasonal theme park is a must-see during the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival – the world's biggest snow and ice festival.

One of the most popular attractions in winter, the Harbin Ice-Snow World revives the kingdom of ice and snow with a series of larger-than-life illuminated sculptures and a variety of creative activities.

The winter wonderland, in its 22nd edition this year, spans over 600,000 square meters, decorated with ice-carved landmarks from 17 foreign countries and regions, such as Yekaterinburg's Church of All Saints in Russia, Greece's Theatre of Dionysus, Latvia's St. Peter's Church, and Estonia's Viru Gate.

An aerial view of the 22nd Harbin Ice-Snow World. /CFP

A night view of the 22nd Harbin Ice-Snow World. /CFP

An aerial view of the 22nd Harbin Ice-Snow World. /CFP

An array of activities are taking place at the white wonderland in the following weeks, including a music festival and international ice sculpture competitions.

A grand New Year gala and an electronic music festival are set for New Year's Eve, so visitors can dance to the music while ushering in the year 2021. Visitors can also ski, ice skate, play "ice soccer" and ride bicycles within the park.

A series of interactive activities are being held to celebrate Christmas, the New Year and the Spring Festival, offering the visitors a more entertaining and immersive experience.

Launched in 1985, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, in its 37th edition, will kick off on January 5, 2021, featuring spectacular installations and more ice-related activities.

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