This castle was built entirely out of ice.Image: keystone
01/13/2026, 09:3901/13/2026, 09:39
The largest snow and ice festival in the world has been taking place in the Chinese city of Harbin for 27 years. The festival actually officially starts on January 5th and lasts a month. In previous years, the festival began around Christmas and, weather permitting, did not end until the end of February.
This man took part in an ice bath at the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival.Image: keystone
There are dozens of attractions at the festival that attract thousands of people from all over the world. These include, among other things: ice and snow worlds, snow sculpture exhibitions, skiing, winter swimming, dog sledding, snowmobiling or observing Siberian tigers and other Arctic animals.
The ice festival is also a popular backdrop for weddings. A mass wedding takes place here.Image: keystone
According to the official, the ice festival was created Festival website through the old tradition of ice lanterns. These were previously used by fishermen on the Songhua River for nighttime lighting. Over time, the lanterns became Harbin’s trademark and became an art form. Today, entire buildings are built out of ice for the festival.
On January 5, 2026, fireworks were set off to mark the official opening of the ice festival. The huge ice sculptures are also illuminated.Image: keystone
Another highlight of the festival are the ice sculptures, which are built especially for the occasion.
The ice sculptures at the festival are several meters high.Image: keystone
Huge works of art are also carved out of snow.
Snow figures and works of art are carved from snow.Image: icefestivalharbin.com
For many people, the festival is an opportunity to push themselves and their bodies to the limit – at least when it comes to enduring the cold. On Monday, January 12th, the temperature in Harbin will be between minus 12 and minus 25 degrees.
A man sunbathes in swimming trunksImage: keystone
… but it’s not just people who are at the event.
Also this robot dog despite the cold in Harbin.Image: keystone
The ice festival requires admission for its exhibitions and attractions. A day ticket costs 100 renminbi yuan for one person. That’s the equivalent of around 11 Swiss francs. Entry is free for seniors and children under 120 centimeters tall.