Located in the northeast of China, Harbin earns its title as the 'Ice City' with winter temperatures that can reach minus 20 degrees. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which kicks off every January, transforms the city into a veritable fairyland. This ice city, costing half a billion dollars, is adorned with giant sculptures crafted by artists from all over the world. However, all this splendor can only stand for two months.
With an average winter temperature of 16.8 °C, the city's most significant characteristic is its long, snow-covered winters. Located on the banks of the Songhua River, the city has been heavily influenced by Russia throughout its history due to its proximity. This influence can be seen in everything from the architecture on the streets to the vodka in the restaurants.
The cold climate gives Harbin a unique identity. Whether it's sledding on the frozen Songhua River, riding on ice boats, or admiring the sparkling ice sculptures, these activities make the city special. Almost all aspects of the city's life intertwine with ice and snow.
Since its inception, it has grown to become one of the largest winter festivals in the world. The heart of the festival beats in Zhaolin Park. Here, ice sculptures crafted by hundreds of artists are adorned with lights and transformed into a colossal ice palace. During the day, it's possible to see the intricate details of these massive sculptures, while at night, the vibrant illuminations turn the city into a place that seems to have sprung straight out of a fairy tale.
But it's not just about the sculptures. Throughout the festival, there are also sleigh races, ice dancing performances, and international sculpture competitions. Visitors from all over the world flock to Harbin to witness this city of ice that only exists for two months.
Sculptures, palaces, and gigantic structures, all made from thousands of tons of ice and snow, can only be visited for a mere two months. When March rolls around, temperatures rise and the entire city melts away into oblivion.
Despite having to be rebuilt every year, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival continues to be one of the world's most popular events. After all, who would want to miss the opportunity to see this fairy-tale city that only exists for two fleeting months?