Each January, the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin hosts a spectacular ice festival that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Sculptors from across the region converge on the capital of Heilongjiang province, near the Russian border, to compete for the best ice sculpture of the year.
The sculptures are lit from within, creating a magical expanse that feels like a holiday television special. Families travel from distant locations to see the displays, bundling up against the cold as they explore the icy artworks.
Recent photographs by Associated Press photographer Ng Han Guan, taken on Saturday, show sculptors preparing their works for competition. Visitors are seen approaching the icy steps of an obelisk sculpture glowing in yellow and purple. For the adventurous, swimming amid the ice is also an option.
