The Harbin Ice Festival in Harbin China, 2008

According to the Travel China Guide, The Harbin Ice Festival might be the most amazing celebration of ice and snow on the planet. Established in 1985, the ice festival begins on January 5^th and lasts for a month, despite daily average winter temperatures of -40 degrees. Harbin, located in northern China, is one of the world's snowiest and coldest cities. The city is recognized as cradle of ice and snow sculptures in China, due to the many exquisite man-made ice exhibits.

Ice lanterns first began as a winter tradition in China in 1644 during the Qing Dynasty. These were used as lights to see by during the winter months. These were created by pouring water into a bucket, then the bucket was placed out in the weather. Before freezing completely through, the ice was pushed out of the bucket (by warming the bucket slightly). With water still inside this "ice bucket," a hole was chiseled in the top and the remaining water released. At that time a candle was placed inside the "ice bucket," creating a wind-proof source of light.

There are three main areas to view the ice sculptures (newly made annually), and they are: The Sun Park Island, Zhaolin Park, and Harbin Ice and Snow World.

Zhaolin Park features the best in ice lanterns, with ice being used from nearby Songhua River. The difference between the ice lanterns of 1644 and the ones of today is that today, the artists decorate their ice lanterns by carving and enchasing. This Park is believed to be one of the top 35 tourist attractions in China, despite the brutally cold weather. Pieces are divided into themes including European folktales and Chinese masterworks. Objects depicted in ice include: waterfalls, churches, gardens, buildings, animals, dragons, flowers, etc. At night, these ice sculptures are lit by embedded colored lights, turning the park into a virtual ice world.

Sun Island Park is home of the world's largest indoor ice and snow museum. The inspiration for the ice sculptures in the Harbin Ice and Snow World come from more architecturally based art like The Great Wall (which doubles as an ice slide, might be a little hard on the bottom!), the Pyramids, etc.