Harbin, Heilongjiang (黑龍江哈爾濱)

 

The ice sculptures of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival [Photo by Poledongdewazi/bbs.fengniao.com]

With its arctic climate and abundant ice and snow, Harbin, the capital of northeast Heilongjiang Province, is known as China's "Ice City". The world famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, established in 1963, is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival. Starting on Jan. 5th each year, the festival begins and lasts over one month. During that time, exquisite ice sculptures are decorated with colorful ice lanterns; and winter sports competitions attract thousands of locals and overseas visitors.

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