The 22nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is Under Way
On January 5 organizers launched celebrations of the 22nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. It is estimated that his year 1.5 million visitors will fall upon the northern Chinese city to be at the party.
Harbin is the capital of the northeastern province Heilongjiang, which borders Russia and Mongolia. Historically the city was strongly influenced by the Russians and the Japanese, which partly accounts for the unique appearance and personality of this Chinese city. As China’s northernmost major city, Harbin is also a natural and ideal location for winter sports and festivities. The city began to hold the Ice and Snow Festival celebrations in 1985, and the event has since become a major draw. Many Chinese who want to travel in winter times seem to be going either far south – to Hainan Island, for instance – or far north to destinations such as Harbin to take in the snowy view and partake in cool merriments.
During the festival various activities will take place in and around Harbin. The central piece of the celebration is an ice sculpture competition and exhibition, which this year draws 27 teams from 17 countries/regions, including the United States, Canada, Russia and Germany.
Back to China Notes and News
|
