Fanfare as 5th Harbin Ice Harvest Festival Kicks Off
The frozen expanse of the Songhua River in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, came alive on Saturday as the 5th Harbin Ice Harvest Festival officially began. A grand opening ceremony drew crowds of locals and tourists who braved the winter chill to witness the traditional pulling of the first ice block from the river.
Amidst vibrant folk rituals, attendees were treated to a display of cultural performances, indulged in local delicacies, and participated in a variety of winter activities that celebrated the region’s rich heritage. The atmosphere was electric as the community gathered to mark the commencement of a time-honored tradition.
Over the coming weeks, the ice harvested from the Songhua River will serve a grand purpose. It will be used to construct the renowned Harbin Ice and Snow World, a sprawling theme park featuring intricate ice sculptures and architectural marvels that attract visitors from around the globe. Moreover, the ice will also be utilized to build venues and sculptures for the upcoming Asian Winter Games, scheduled to take place in February 2025.
A highlight of the festival was the unveiling of six-meter-tall snow sculptures of \
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
