Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界)

Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界, Bīngxuě Dà Shìjiè) is the world's largest ice festival — a fantasy city of massive ice buildings illuminated from within by colored lights. Open only from January to March, it's the reason millions visit Harbin every winter.

What to See

Ice Buildings — Massive structures carved from blocks of ice harvested from the Songhua River. Castles, temples, and towers glow in every color imaginable.

Ice Slides — Giant slides carved from ice — some over 100 meters long. The fastest way to get from the top of a structure to the bottom.

Snow Sculptures — Enormous sculptures carved from compacted snow. The detail is extraordinary — some sculptures are over 20 meters tall.

Night Views — The festival is best after dark when the ice buildings are illuminated. The colors change throughout the evening.

Practical Tips

• Entry fee: ¥298 ($41) — worth every penny
• Open only January-March
• Dress in full winter gear — temperatures can drop to -30C
• Arrive at opening to avoid the worst crowds
• The festival is best after dark when the ice buildings are illuminated