Harbin Ice Festival: Embarking to the Famous Sculpture Festival

Imagine that you are back to your childhood. Remember how in winter we used to build figures and castles out of snow? The snow didn’t want to take shape and crumbled in our little palms. And the ice stuck to our mittens, making it difficult to create an ice sculpture.

As we grew older, many of us stopped trying to build the Snow Queen’s residence or an impregnable fortress. But there are those who every winter transform blocks of ice into enchanting sculptures and even entire cities.

Ice sculpture festivals have long gained popularity. They are held in many countries around the world and occupy a special place in the ranking of winter entertainments. But the most famous in the world is the Harbin International Ice Festival in China, which opens every year on January 5th and lasts for one month.

The Harbin International Ice Festival first took place in 1963. Since then, every winter, a magical city within a city emerges here. In its existence, the Harbin International Ice Festival has reached tremendous proportions. And it’s not just about the area where majestic sculptures are located. The main thing is the skill of the sculptors, which surpasses the expectations of even the most spoiled guests.

Where is the Harbin International Ice Festival Held?

The Harbin International Ice Festival takes place in Heilongjiang Province in the northern part of China. The capital of the province is the city of Harbin, which is one of the ten largest cities in the country.

Harbin is not a random choice for such a mesmerizing ice spectacle: in winter, the temperature here drops to – 40 degrees Celsius. You don’t have to worry about the ice sculptures melting and depriving visitors of the opportunity to see their beauty.

And there is really something to see: great artists from all over the world participate in the creation of the sculptures. It’s no wonder that with such a scale, the Harbin International Ice Festival has repeatedly made it into the Guinness Book of Records, for example, for the implementation of the Great Wall of China with a length of 958 meters.

All the sculptures presented at the festival are made from ice blocks carved out of the Songhua River. During this time of the year the river freezes, giving the artists the opportunity to use its resources to create a magical splendor.

What to Visit During the Festival?

When you go to the Harbin International Ice Festival, make sure to study the list of locations – each of them deserves special attention:

Sculptures on the Sun Island

The ice sculptures on the Sun Island are one of the main events of the Harbin International Ice Festival. Here you can see a huge number of large and small sculptures that amaze with their beauty and intricate details. All the works are so complex that you can see unfinished pieces as well – the artists work on them even during the festival.

After admiring the sculptures, you can go sledding on the frozen lake, warm up in a cozy restaurant, or buy food in one of the colorful local huts.

Ice and Snow World

Ice and Snow World is another interesting location that is a must-visit. Here you can feel like you’re in a fairy tale! Beautifully illuminated sculptures, ice castles and buildings soaring to the sky showcase the amazing facets of human talent. Have you seen enough sculptures? Move to a cozy warm cafe and spend the evening with a pleasant dinner.

Zhaolin Park

Another exhibition of ice sculptures takes place in Zhaolin Park. Here you can also visit the festival of ice lanterns.

The history of ice lanterns in Harbin dates back to the time when fishermen used them for lighting while catching fish in the Songhua River. Later, these lanterns began to adorn the gates of houses and eventually turned into works of art. In 1963, the local government held an exhibition in Zhaolin Park, which marked the beginning of the annual Harbin International Ice Festival.

It is interesting that you can safely move between the venues right on the frozen river: the ice is so strong that even cars can drive on it!

What to Remember before Traveling to the Harbin International Ice Festival

• Warm clothing and footwear
  The weather in Harbin during the festival is so cold that some hotels even provide tourists with additional jackets. Exploring and photographing the ice sculptures takes more than just an hour. Therefore, it’s best to stock up on warm clothes and thermal underwear. Don’t forget about footwear: for walking on ice it’s better to wear something comfortable and non-slippery.
• Additional power sources for mobile phones
  In extreme cold electronic devices discharge instantly. It’s better to have several spare batteries with you. It is recommended to keep them in the inner pockets of your jacket – this way you have a better chance of capturing all the beauty of the festival.
• Facial care products
  Strong frost and temperature changes while being indoors can cause skin problems. Take various moisturizing products with you, as well as products to protect against windburn – this way you will avoid unnecessary consequences of walking in the cold.
• Prices at cafes and restaurants
  During the festival many cafes and restaurants are open. However, even in regular fast-food places, prices become several times higher. It’s better to take this into account when planning your budget to avoid discomfort.

Planning a Trip to Harbin Ice Festival

The Harbin International Ice Festival is annually visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. As a result, the number of hotel rooms rapidly decreases, while the accommodation prices rise with each passing day. It is still possible to find a suitable lodging option, but it is better to address this issue as soon as possible.

The same applies to flight tickets. Finding suitable flights, especially without layovers, becomes more difficult day after day, so purchasing tickets should not be postponed.

But the most important thing is to apply for a Chinese visa as soon as possible. Thanks to the Visa Services Specialists it takes from 14 to 20 days to process, so your trip will definitely happen.

If you have always dreamt of visiting the ice kingdom, you are lucky! The experienced specialists at The Visa Services will do everything to make your dream come true this winter!

FAQ: