Harbin International Ice and Snow Lantern Festival
WHEN: Jan 5th – Feb 5th of every year
WHERE: Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
The City of Harbin (The capital of Heilongjiang province of China) makes the most of its freezing winters with the incredible Harbin Ice Lantern Festival. The city is located in N.E China near Siberia, which is why during winter, the average temperature can drop between -16.8 to -38.1 Celsius degree.
Every year from January to February, Huge blocks of ice are carved in sculptures and buildings to create a glittering Ice and Snow World. As night falls, these gigantic sculptures are illuminated up in a spectrum of colors.
Ice lanterns were a winter-time tradition in N.E China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The local peasants and fishermen would often create ice lanterns to help them see during the winter months. To make them, water were poured into a bucket, and when it froze, they chiseled a hole to create a hollow vessel. That way, candles can be placed and lit inside them without blowing out. Over the years, the ice lanterns began to develop into more elaborate constructions.
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Information to the three main attractions associated with the festival.
Sun Island Park (Snow Sculpture Art Exposition)
- Admission Fee: 240RMB
Ice and Snow World
-Admission Fee: 150RMB
Zhaolin Park (Ice Lantern Garden Party)
-Admission Fee: 200 RMB