Harbin Ice-and-Snow World Festival
By admin on 2014-12-26

Harbin Ice-and-Snow World Festival, with its world-famous frozen sculptures, officially kicks off on January 5, 2010. However, those who can't wait can go as early as December 24, when the park opens to visitors "for testing", according to Sun Jiaju of the Harbin tourism bureau. "To be honest, they have to be concerned about their profits, so the earlier they open, the better. All the ice and snow sculptures have already been moved in," Sun said. The festival continues through the end of March when the last of the snow melts.

The festival started in the 1960s, took a little time off for the Cultural Revolution, and resumed in 1985. According to Sun, the ice-and-snow festival "has been called one of the four greatest," sharing the prestige with the Quebec Winter Carnival (Canada) and snow festivals in Sapporo, Japan, and Oslo, Norway.

Famous Chinese singers, actor John O'Hurley, NBA star Mitch Richmond, and even Mariah Carey are all invited to the opening ceremony at the Harbin International Exhibition and Sports Center. However, less than a month away, and tickets to the opening ceremony are not yet on sale, nor could anyone give an idea on ticket prices.

Ice sculpting competitions will take place in Zhaolin Park, while snow sculptures will go up in the Sun Island Scenic Zone, according to Sun.

Zhaolin Park

The 36th Ice Lantern Art Exhibition runs from December 20 to March 1, 2010, while the 24th International Ice Sculpture Race takes place from January 6 to 8. Additional national ice sculpture competitions are also scheduled throughout January.

Daily time: 5 am – 6:30 pm

Tickets: 30 yuan

How to get there: Take bus No. 101 or 103 from Harbin Railway Station to Zhaolin Park Station.

Sun Island Scenic Zone

January to March: The second snowman building competition.

January 1 to 4: The 15th international snow sculpting competition.

January 10 to 13: The 16th national snow sculpting competition.

December to January 20: Sun Island ice-and-snow photography competition.

Daily time: 8 am to 5 pm

Tickets: 150 yuan per person

How to get there: Take bus No. 101, 102, 103, 13 or 79 and alight at the bank of the Songhua River. Transfer to a yacht or take the ropeway.

11th Harbin Ice-and-Snow World

The Ice-and-Snow World, a specific (and sponsor-driven) component of the festival, began in 1999, hence the confusing "11th" ascribed to a festival some decades old. Previous themes have focused on countries, but this year's is "splendid ice and snow architecture, and joyful people from around the world gathering together." Expect 2,000 ice sculptures illuminated by LED lights, and 15,000 cubic meters worth of snow sculptures. Tourists can try out snow mobiles, ice climbing and even ice driving. The less suicidal/homicidal may wish to stick to Russian song and dance performances, Moulin Rouge or ice ballets and musical dramas, from December 24 to March 1.

Daily time: 9 am to 9:30 pm

Tickets: 200 yuan per person

How to get there: Take bus No. 29, 88, 118 or 85.