January 5th marked the kick-off of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China’s Heilongjiang province. The annual festival features striking sculptures made from snow and ice pulled from the local Songhua River. At night, the glittering sculptures are illuminated by computer-controlled LED lights for an extra dose of chilly charm.
Ice sculpture subjects vary each year, ranging from animals and historical figures to recreations of famous monuments or buildings. This year, Russia’s Red Square and Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha are among the world landmarks to be reimagined in ice. The festival, which runs until late February, also features an ice lantern show, snow sculpture competition, sports like hockey and skating, along with other wintery entertainment.
