Harbin Ice Festival in China - in pictures


  • Disney-style castles made of ice are a highlight at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. AFP
    Disney-style castles made of ice are a highlight at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. AFP
  • Other icy sculptures are carved to resemble Chinese-style bridges and buildings. AFP
    Other icy sculptures are carved to resemble Chinese-style bridges and buildings. AFP
  • Slides built from ice are open for children and adventurous adults to enjoy. AP
    Slides built from ice are open for children and adventurous adults to enjoy. AP
  • This year features a giant snow sculpture of Buddha. Reuters
    This year features a giant snow sculpture of Buddha. Reuters
  • The ice is sourced from the nearby Songhua River, frozen at this time of year. AP
    The ice is sourced from the nearby Songhua River, frozen at this time of year. AP
  • Fireworks at the opening ceremony of the festival on Friday. Reuters
    Fireworks at the opening ceremony of the festival on Friday. Reuters
  • The snowy exhibits offer plenty of photo ops. Reuters
    The snowy exhibits offer plenty of photo ops. Reuters
  • The festival is enjoying a post-pandemic resurgence with residents and tourists. AP
    The festival is enjoying a post-pandemic resurgence with residents and tourists. AP
  • The festival is also popular among citizens from China's warmer south, who have been dubbed Little Southern Potatoes thanks to their furry-eared hats. Reuters
    The festival is also popular among citizens from China's warmer south, who have been dubbed Little Southern Potatoes thanks to their furry-eared hats. Reuters
  • The festival offers food stalls and family-friendly activities. AFP
    The festival offers food stalls and family-friendly activities. AFP
  • By night, the ice park transforms with colourful lights. Reuters
    By night, the ice park transforms with colourful lights. Reuters
  • Snow bikes and sledges are available. EPA
    Snow bikes and sledges are available. EPA