Wonders of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

The "Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival" is an annual winter celebration held in Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang, one of the coldest provinces in China. The festival is adorned with massive sculptures made entirely of ice and is regarded as one of the largest winter festivals in the world. If you're planning to attend, here's everything you need to know about the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which runs every year from January 5 to February 25.

Origins of the Festival Can Be Traced to Fishing Lighthouses

The concept of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has its roots in ancient times when fishermen in Harbin would carve out the ice and place candles inside the hollows to prevent them from extinguishing easily. This tradition evolved into an art form over time, and in the 19th century, larger and more complex sculptures were crafted from ice and snow. This paved the way for Harbin to hold its own winter festival.

The Festival's Inception Dates Back to 1963

The Harbin Snow and Ice Festival, the world's largest snow and ice festival, has a long history. However, the festival hasn't been held annually since its inception in 1963 due to the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966. The festival, which adds a new dimension to the winter season, resumed in 1985 and has since been a hit with tourists from all over the world.