Harbin ice festival: China celebrates ice sculptures
- Published
![two kids in front of giant ice castle structure](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/1024/cpsprodpb/C84B/production/_132257215_gettyimages-1902699256.jpg)
This colossal building in China is made completely from ice.
![Bridge made of ice](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/13D7B/production/_132257218_gettyimages-1902590682.jpg)
It's part of an international ice and snow festival that takes place every year in Harbin, in China. Members of the public can pay to walk around the sculptures and explore the festival park.
![man heating up ice sculpture to shape](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/D467/production/_132257345_gettyimages-1908271498-1.jpg)
Making the sculptures is hot, painstaking work. This artist is using a hand-held heater to shape the ice into the design he wants. As you can imagine, ice is very difficult to work with, and you need freezing conditions for the ice to hold its shape.
![ice slide](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/6E73/production/_132257282_gettyimages-1911414990.jpg)
If you want to take a break from looking at art, visitors can also indulge in some slide action, courtesy of these giant slides made from, yes, you guessed it, ice. How cool do they look?
![lit-up ice structures](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/131C3/production/_132257287_gettyimages-1911414465.jpg)
At night the incredible structures are lit up with colourful lights. The ice glows different colours for people to enjoy.
![Ice sculptures lit up](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/4B4B/production/_132257291_gettyimages-1902590626.jpg)
A few of the buildings look big enough to walk around
![opening ceremony ice festival - bright lights on ice structures and people celebrating](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/17FE3/production/_132257289_gettyimages-1911413923.jpg)
It's not an ice festival without a thrilling opening ceremony. People were invited to dance beneath the ice sculptures to celebrate the amazing work by these artists.
- Published10 February 2020
- Published18 December 2023