The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, also known as the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival or simply the Harbin Ice Festival, features various ice sculpture competitions, snow sculpture competitions, winter fishing, winter sports, winter activities, celebrations, parades, events, and five theme parks: Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo, Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin Wanda Ice Lantern World, Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Art Fair, and Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival.

The Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo showcases snow sculptures, while both Harbin Wanda Ice Lantern World and Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Art Fair focus on ice lanterns. Wanda Ice Lantern World is larger than Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair and offers numerous ice lanterns, winter activities, and shows. Harbin Ice and Snow World features ice and snow sculptures, illuminated ice buildings, and various ice and snow activities, making it a key attraction of the festival. The Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival, held on the frozen Songhua River, presents numerous ice and snow sculptures and engaging winter activities.

The annual Harbin Ice Festival, the world's largest event of its kind, has been held since 1963. While interrupted during the Cultural Revolution, it resumed in 1985 and now stands alongside Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival as one of the top four ice and snow festivals globally.

Traditionally, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival opens around December 20 and lasts until the end of February. However, its official opening ceremony is typically held on January 5th each year, marking the formal start of the festival. The event features a wide array of activities and events, including ice and snow carnivals, international ice sculpture competitions, ice lantern shows, ice sliding, ice-sailing, sledging, ice hockey, ice football, speed skating, cross-country skiing, and Alpine skiing competitions. Additionally, there are opportunities for fishing, swimming, ice and snow film art shows, painting exhibitions, calligraphy displays, photo exhibitions, folk song and dance performances, ice wedding ceremonies, trade talks, trade fairs, as well as various national and international sports events.

For years, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has established itself as the world's premier winter tourist destination and a paradise for photographers. During the months of December, January, and February, a multitude of tourists visit the ice city for winter vacations, family holidays, or honeymoons.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: December 20, 2024 - February 25, 2025. However, it's advisable to avoid the Chinese New Year period from January 28 to February 3, 2025. This time sees a surge in crowds due to the national holiday, leading to increased prices for hotels, transportation, and services.

2. Ticket Price: To enter different venues (parks) of the festival, you have to buy different tickets at different prices. Ice Lantern Art Fair: RMB 0, Sun International Snow Sculpture Art Expo: RMB 330, Harbin Ice and Snow World: RMB 330; Harbin Wanda Ice Lantern World RMB 260; Harbin Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival: RMB 288

3. The theme parks of the Harbin Ice Festival 2025 will undergo a trial operation from approximately December 20, 2024, to January 4, 2025. During this period, tourists will have the opportunity to visit all the theme parks. The official opening date of the ice festival is January 5, 2025.