Harbin's annual ice harvest begins with traditional ceremony

Manufactured ice often contains air bubbles and isn't sturdy enough to carve. Therefore, ice for the festival is sourced from the Songhua River, which runs through the city.

Artists carve the blocks into fanciful sculptures, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

The traditional ceremony attracted thousands of residents and tourists who braved the extreme cold and strong wind on the frozen river.

After the ceremony, residents and tourists joined in various games on the ice and snow and ate local specialties.