The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival transformed the frigid northern Chinese city into a glittering wonderland over the weekend, drawing master sculptors and intrepid spectators from across the region.
A Frigid Canvas for Artistic Talent
Sculptors converged on Harbin from Saturday, 3rd January, to Monday, 5th January 2026, to craft towering, intricate structures from solid ice and packed snow. The event, a highlight of the winter calendar, turns the city's parks and squares into a temporary open-air gallery of ephemeral art. Families travelled significant distances to witness the spectacle, undeterred by the region's notoriously low temperatures.
Spectators Embrace the Extreme Cold
While many visitors admired the frozen artworks, others participated in more bracing traditions. Some hardy attendees braved the sub-zero conditions to take part in winter swimming, a local practice that highlights the extreme climate of the area. This combination of artistic endeavour and physical endurance encapsulates the unique spirit of the festival, which celebrates winter in all its forms.
A Global Showcase in Photography
The visual spectacle was captured in a curated photo gallery by the editors of the Associated Press (AP). The collection showcases the scale of the sculptures, the concentration of the artists, and the awe of the visiting families. The festival remains a major draw for both domestic and international tourism, putting Harbin firmly on the map as a premier winter destination. The event underscores the cultural and economic significance of seasonal festivals in promoting regional identity and attracting visitors.
