UPDATE; apparently the festivals officially start the 5th of January. The sculptures are on display at least till mid february but otherwise as long as the weather permits, so it really depends on the duration of the winter.
ORIGINAL WordPress post: Every year from around the 15th of January to the 15th of February Haerbin is host to an amazing display of snow and ice sculptures and architecture. Even though there are ice sculptures on display throughout the pedestrian street in the city centre the main three events are the snow sculpture festival, the ice sculpture festival, and the ice architecture festival.
All three events are amazing in each their way, but to truly appreciate the beauty of the ice sculptures/architecture one have to go in the evening where they are lit up. Unfortunately this time of the day is freezing cold, but there are plenty of warm shelters at every event where one can enjoy a hot drink. The snow sculpture festival is to be visited during the day, and most pleasant if the sun is shining.
In 2008 the events were located following:
The ice sculpture festival (also called the ice lantern festival) is located in the Zhaolin Park and easily accessible. The two other events are a bit further away from most hotels and the city centre.
The snow sculpture festival is located in the park across the Songhua River. It is on the opposite shore of the city centre, and actually pretty much on the other side of the river from where the main pedestrian shopping street (Zhongyang Dajie) ends.
The ice architecture festival is located next to the snow sculpture festival on its western side. It is located west from the main road which crosses the car bridge (not the railway) that connects the two shores. On the eastern side is one of the entrances to the snow sculpture festival.
It is possible to cross the river and walk to the snow sculpture festival in the daytime. However it is recommended to take the bus to and from the ice sculpture festival in the evening. I believe that this busses run throughout the day. since it is a bit distant from the city most people anyway end up taking the bus, but at first it might be a bit tricky to find where to take the bus from the city centre. In 2008 the pick up spot for the bus was at Zhongyang Dajie where it intersects with Youyi Lu. They were parked on the south eastern part of the intersection of the two streets (on the Haerbin map of lonely planet 10th ed it is the spot with no 27).
We had a great trip up there and it is still one my favorite events I have experienced in China. Haerbin is located in Heilongjiang, the most Northern province in China. So pack up plenty of warm clothes before exploring these fantastic pieces, and enjoy your trip!
View more photos from Haerbin at http://www.timingearth.com
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