The 20th China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival is now underway in Manzhouli, a border city in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It has attracted large crowds of tourists with its vast display of ice and snow sculptures, each with different themes, such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

With a 20-year-long history, the festival aims to create platforms to demonstrate the charm of Manzhouli and promote trade, culture, sports and tourism. A venue covering 22,000 square meters offers such attractions as large ice and snow sculptures, and a variety of winter activities. The festival lasts for two months until February 2019.

Manzhouli has developed quickly in the past few years. By making full use of its unique geopolitical advantage and following the opening-up policy, Manzhouli has become an increasingly vibrant city. Over six million tourists travel to Manzhouli each year to experience its nature and culture, making it one of the major tourist destinations in northern China.

The Sino-Russian Border Tourism Area, a 5A tourist spot, is one of the most important and best-maintained tourist attractions in China. Its Russian Doll Square is always popular during holidays.

(Cover photo: An ice sculpture in the 20th China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival now underway in Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China. /China Daily Photo )