Harbin Ice and Snow World 2025 opens with record-breaking ice and snow sculptures, featuring iconic Chinese landmarks and international architecture for a global winter experience.
The 27th Harbin Ice and Snow World opened to visitors on Dec. 17th, marking its largest edition yet. Spanning 1.2 million square meters and using 400,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, the festival offers a dazzling winter spectacle. This year’s theme, “Fairy Tale World,” blends Eastern aesthetics with international architecture, creating a unique cultural experience.
Visitors can explore ice replicas of famous landmarks from China and around the world. Iconic Chinese structures such as the Yellow Crane Tower, Shandong Dai Temple, Fujian Tulou, and Shenzhen Luohu Port have been transformed into intricate ice sculptures. The Yellow Crane Tower-themed display, in particular, combines the elegance of Jiangnan architecture with the grandeur of northern ice art, quickly becoming a favourite photo spot.
For many southern tourists, this festival is a rare “first encounter” with ice and snow. Guangdong visitor Luo Jiaqi told CNS, “It feels fresh and exciting. Recognising Chinese landmarks in ice makes it even more special.” Meanwhile, Huang Changyu from Fujian added, “Seeing my hometown’s Tulou recreated in ice is incredible. The details are amazing.”
International flair is also a highlight. Belgium, the festival’s guest country this year, features key attractions such as a fairytale castle and a statue of Brussels’ first citizen, along with an ice sculpture of renowned le Petit Julien. These installations celebrate cultural exchange and economic cooperation between China and Belgium.
With its record-breaking scale and blend of global and local culture, the Harbin Ice and Snow World promises an unforgettable winter adventure for visitors from around the world.
If you liked this article, why not read: Beijing’s Forbidden City Transformed by Its First Snow
