Latest news China's "ice city" gears up for famous festival
With long hooks and circular saws, the city of Harbin in the far north-east of China has begun preparations for its famous ice festival.
09.12.2025, 14:07
SDA
People cut large blocks out of the frozen Songhua River for the traditional "ice picking". Artists will later use these to create sculptures that will be exhibited at the ice festival.
The naturally frozen ice is considered to be particularly stable for the man-made blocks. In the city of more than five million inhabitants, temperatures are now well below freezing during the day.
Winter tourism increasingly important for China
Every year, millions of visitors flock to the city, which is dominated by Russian buildings, to marvel at the colorfully illuminated sculptures, some of which are several meters high. The figures are scattered in many places in the capital of Heilongjiang province.
Winter tourism has been developing into an increasingly important industry in China in recent years. The government sees it as a way of encouraging people to consume more. In addition to the ice festival in Harbin, China is focusing on the expansion of ski resorts and indoor ski centers.
