China
22:29, 06-Jan-2018
International ice and snow festival kicks off in NE China
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The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival kicked off Friday.
The annual festival in the capital of China's northernmost province is seen as a major event for the "ice city," and attracts tourists from around the world.
First held in 1985, the month-long event is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals.
The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival attracts many tourists from near and far. /Xinhua Photo
The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival attracts many tourists from near and far. /Xinhua Photo
Locals and tourists alike flock to Sun Island Park, where they can go cross-country skiing and enjoy family-friendly activities.
And for even more fun in winter, the park has improved its facilities to satisfy the increasing demands of visitors.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated snow sculpture art expo, Ice and Snow World, has also begun its official run.
Visitors view and take photos of sculptures made in ice blocks. /Xinhua Photo
Visitors view and take photos of sculptures made in ice blocks. /Xinhua Photo
About 180,000 cubic meters of ice is used to build the winter wonderland, while a similar amount of snow is turned into various snow sculptures.
Organizers estimate about 1.5 million tourists come to Harbin to visit the "ice city" each year.
No wonder it often tops the list of popular Chinese ice and snow tourism cities.
1058km