Each winter, the city of Harbin in northeast China transforms into a mesmerizing ice city, captivating visitors from around the world. As dusk settles, the Harbin Ice-Snow World illuminates the night, its grand ice structures glowing in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a magical winter landscape.
Harbin, the snowy capital of Heilongjiang province, embraces the cold with an annual celebration that blends ice, snow, sound, and light in a breathtaking display. Marking its 25th consecutive year, this year’s Harbin Ice-Snow World has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest ice and snow theme park.
The Magic Begins with the Songhua River
The dazzling ice palaces and intricate sculptures are crafted from ice blocks harvested from the nearby frozen Songhua River. Renowned for its stable flow and pristine water, the river forms ice with uniform density and exceptional clarity—ideal for constructing the ice landscapes that define the festival.
In December, when the river’s ice reaches a thickness of 0.3 to 0.4 meters, a dedicated team of workers begins the month-long ice harvesting process. Each day, approximately 10,000 cubic meters of ice are extracted, totaling 250,000 cubic meters used for this year’s festival.
The ice harvesters start by marking lines across the frozen surface to map out the blocks. Using motorized ice saws, they cut the vast ice sheet into squares, making the surface resemble a giant checkerboard. Each ice block measures about 1.6 meters in length, 0.8 meters in width, and weighs around 700 kilograms—dimensions specified to meet the construction needs of the festival’s grand structures.
From River to Wonderland
The immense effort of harvesting and transporting the ice culminates in the creation of stunning architectural feats. Skilled artisans carve and assemble the blocks into castles, towers, and sculptures that reflect both traditional Chinese designs and innovative artistic expressions. At night, colorful lights embedded within the ice illuminate the installations, enchanting visitors with a surreal and luminous spectacle.
The Harbin Ice-Snow World not only showcases the city’s resilience in embracing its harsh winters but also highlights the artistry and ingenuity involved in turning natural resources into a world-renowned attraction. For travelers, business professionals, academics, and culture enthusiasts alike, Harbin offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and wonder of ice and snow.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
