Freezing temperatures aren’t all bad. Without them, the Chinese city of Harbin couldn’t throw their spectacular ice and snow festival.

Freezing temperatures aren’t all bad. Without them, the Chinese city of Harbin couldn’t throw their spectacular ice and snow festival.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the wintertime spectacle, and organizers have made sure that it’s the most awe-inspiring one yet.

The main attraction is a massive ice replica of the Hallgrimskirkja church of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Other nods to world architecture include frozen versions of the Empire State Building and the Roman Colosseum.

Each sculpture located on the 550 thousand square yard space is illuminated by color LEDs, adding a bit more dazzle to the already breathtaking display.

Alongside the sights are cold-weather activities like iceskating and snow boarding.
Those who dare can take a trip down a nearly 800-foot ice slide.
Regardless of what attendees decide to do while they’re at the festival, bundling up is a must.


Temperatures in Harbin are known to hover well below the freezing point.

To help spectators chase the chill, there are numerous hot beverage stands set up on the grounds, and free ginger tea is served in the concierge hall.