/ Record numbers for the latest Ice and Snow World in the very cold city of Harbin, northeastern China, which closed just a few days ago /

“The City of Ice” is the name by which Harbin is known in China for its long and rigid winters, colder than anywhere else in the country, with average temperatures around -18°C, but often dropping even lower. We’re talking about the capital of China’s most northeastern province, a metropolis with 4 million inhabitants, just a few hours from Siberia and at least 500km from the nearest sea (the Sea of Japan). 

However, the Arctic climate has become a strength for Harbin, making it a popular tourist destination for its ski resorts, especially in recent years when winter sports have been booming in China (read more on p. 40). In the 2023-2024 winter season, tourists numbered over 87 million, a 300 percent increase from the previous year. Revenue from tourism has also skyrocketed, reaching 124.8 billion yuan (approx. $2.48 billion), a 500 percent increase. 

This year, the trend is expected to continue, if not surpass previous records. The 9th Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin in mid-February, attracted 34 nations and added to the city’s appeal. Moreover, the annual Ice and Snow World event, held just a few kilometers from the city center, broke all previous attendance records in its 26th edition, which took place from December to February, attracting 3.56 million visitors in just 68 days, a 31.4 percent increase from the 2.71 million visitors in 2024.

We’re talking about a unique festival and theme park dedicated to ice, which this year was even bigger and more spectacular than usual. It covered an area of 1 million square meters, and to build it, 300,000 cubic meters of ice were extracted from the river that runs through the city. This is because the vast majority of the park’s attractions are made entirely of ice. National and international artists work on it for weeks with great skill, creating fairy-tale castles, sculptures of mythological figures and pop culture icons, scenery, lanterns, perfect replicas of monuments (such as the Temple of Heaven in China or the Taj Mahal in India), slides (this year, the largest one features 24 lanes), and many other wonders. 

To make it all even more engaging (and perfect for photos and videos to post and share on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media), every evening this immaculate universe is illuminated with LED lights, making the atmosphere even more evocative.

Given the materials used, Ice and Snow World is not a permanent park. However, although it only lasts for about 2 months (the coldest ones), some of its attractions remain open to tourists throughout the year, making it a significant attraction for the city. Surviving from the 26th edition are the 48-cabin “Snowflake Ferris Wheel,” offering stunning views, and all the indoor attractions. These include the “Fantasy Ice and Snow Museum,” which showcases ice sculptures on various themes across 23,000sq.m, kept at a constant temperature between -8°C and -16°C. 

Other attractions include the Four Seasons Amusement Park, with about 20 children and family rides; the “Ice Dragon Pearl Hunt-Full Sense VR” experience, which uses virtual reality to create an adventure inspired by Chinese myths and legends; and the Ice and Snow Food Hall, a 15,000sq.m. space featuring over 30 food and beverage brands, including international names like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. 

Finally, for those who enjoy multimedia shows, the “Chariot of the King” performance continues to run in a 1,860-seat theater. This production tells an ancient Manchurian legend (Manchuria is the region where Harbin is located) through the performances of over 100 artists, combined with holograms, laser projections, and other wonders made possible by sophisticated audio and video technologies.

Continue reading Games & Parks Industry February 2025, page 36

Photos Courtesy: ©CNS

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