Have you ever been to Snow Sculpture Festivals? They are simply unbelievable, even though they are right in front of your eyes. Just take a look at these photos of snow sculptures: can you believe your eyes?
What are ice sculptures?
Sculptures are abstract or realistic in form and are made of frozen materials. The sculptor uses razor/sharp chisels, which are specially designed for cutting, and tools like chainsaws to complete a sculpture. The sculpting usually depends on the temperature of the environment. Some sculptors add dyes to produce colored blocks.
What are snow sculptures?
Sculptures that are carved out of a single block of snow. The snow is collected from the ground after a snowfall and then packed into a form. The tools and materials differ widely, shovels, hatchets, and saws.
Both ice and snow sculptures’ life is determined by the temperature around them. It could last from mere minutes to months.
About the Festival
A whole new world of ice and snow can be experienced at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Ice artworks are exhibited at the following venues:
Snow World displays sculptures on a huge scale, such as palace buildings, the Great Wall of China, etc. It is best visited when they are colorfully lit at night.
Lantern Garden Party– The Lantern Garden Party in Harbin City is the earliest and biggest artistic exhibition of lanterns in the open air. Tourists can take part in various activities in Songhua River, such as sitting on a sailing boat, hitting the monkeys, skating, and watching the competition of winter swimming. When night falls, you are expected to attend the evening party of the Harbin Festival.
Sun Island Scenic Area– displays snow sculptures that can only be visited during the daytime.
The Harbin Sculpture Festival showcases remarkable artistry and creativity in sculptures. This annual event features intricate designs crafted from frozen blocks, attracting visitors from around the world. As a highlight of winter tourism, it offers a unique cultural experience and stunning visuals amidst a snowy landscape. Attendees can explore various installations and participate in related activities, making it a memorable destination in the cold season.
Zhaolin Park– Features intricately carved lanterns that are lit up in the night. More than 1,000 sculptures are displayed, such as internally illuminated lanterns, magical figures, and animals that are loved by children. It is mostly a world focused on kids. There are interesting activities that kids may enjoy, such as slides.
The most popular of them is ‘Snow World’. It is worth its cost. People throng this beautiful and skillful place from around the world.
The ideal time to visit this park would be 10 am or 11 am so as to enjoy it in the daytime. You could also visit it at night, as it closes at 9 pm. Sculptures made of snow are beautifully carved and look spectacular. Snow White, Disney characters, Angry Birds, and Buddha are a few of the sculptures that you get to see there.
How to travel to Harbin?
Heilongjiang Province is located in the northeast part of China, and the capital city is Harbin. Being on the east of Songnen Plain, plays a vital role in communications between South and North Asia as well as Europe and the Pacific Ocean. The City has a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. Due to severe low temperatures in winter, the city boasts of unique ice and snow culture.
If you wish to travel to Harbin, then there are regular flights, trains, and buses from major cities in China. Tourists from 51 countries can enjoy 72 hours visa-free transit policy when transiting in Harbin Taiping International Airport. Book your travel in advance. You could take a taxi from Harbin train station to the Ice and Snow World.
Weather in Harbin
The weather is extremely cold. The city is considered the coldest city in Northern China and is ideal for the Festival. So, you need to carry warm jackets, thermals, mufflers, and boots while traveling.
FAQs ->
Q When does the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival take place?
The festival typically runs from late December to February, depending on weather conditions.
Q: What is Harbin famous for in winter?
Harbin is known for its massive ice sculptures, illuminated palaces, and the world‑famous Ice and Snow Festival.
Q: Is Harbin safe to visit in winter?
Yes, Harbin is well‑prepared for extreme cold, with heated transport, indoor attractions, and winter‑ready infrastructure.
Q: How cold does Harbin get during the festival?
Temperatures often drop below freezing, with nights reaching extreme lows, which helps preserve the sculptures.
You may like to read Global Winter Travel: How 5 Places Teach Stillness in Their Own Way
Finally, here is a list of the most famous Ice and Snow Sculpture festivals around the world:
- Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
- The Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
- The World Ice Art Championships, Alaska
- The International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival “Ice, Snow, and Fire, Russia
- The Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada
*/This post is inspired by my friend who visited China and shared the above photos for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. /*
Snow.
References: Map courtesy – mapregion.com