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Classic carvings: Harbin ice festival brightens up China’s northeast

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is considered the biggest one of its kind in the world

Photo {{sliderIndex+1}} from 10

Colorful building structures made from blocks of ice at the Harbin International Ice and Snow festival held in Harbin in northeastern's China's Heilongjiang province

© AP Photo/Olivia Zhang

Participants carve their ice sculptures in Harbin

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

The festival officially runs from January 5th to February 5th

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

Some 120,000 cubic meters of ice and 111,000 cubic meters of snow were used to build the venue of the festival

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

Colorful castle-like structures at the Harbin International Ice and Snow festival

© AP Photo/Olivia Zhang

Workers prepare show sculptures in Harbin

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

The Harbin festival is now the largest one in the world

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

The festival has been held since 1963

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

Antarctic penguins appear to follow a fellow with a backpack in the 'Harbin Polarland' tourist area

© EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

Fireworks explode over ice sculptures during the opening of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin in China

© AP Photo/Olivia Zhang

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 2019 kicked off in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on January 5th. This event is considered to be the biggest one of its kind in the world. Famous for its massive, elaborate and colorfully lit ice sculptures of animals, cartoon characters and renowned landmarks, the festival has been held since 1963 and draws millions of visitors from around the world annually. This year, some 120,000 cubic meters of ice and 111,000 cubic meters of snow were used to build the festival’s venue. Click through these photos of the festival's masterpieces.

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