One of the most historically significant, culturally unique and breathtakingly beautiful countries on the planet, you shouldn’t need much convincing about the merits of China as a life-changing holiday destination. With mega, mega cities of modernity and thrust juxtaposed with ancient ruins and religious areas that have stood for centuries, the most populous country in the world presents one of the most enriching and fulfilling travel opportunities possible. But yet, it remains largely unvisited by curious ‘Western’ tourists…
…Indeed, away from the mainstream, there’s plenty of underrated or overlooked events and opportunities in China well worth exploring. While stepping off the beaten track will show you the endless, serene countryside and greenery rarely associated with the country, there are also cultural events that aren’t nearly as well known as they should be. One such event is the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Here is our IDEAL guide.
SCALE & SPECTACLE
The largest festival of its kind in the world, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival takes place over a month, running from the start of January for just over 4 weeks. In short, it’s a long, comprehensive celebration of the colder things in life. Spread across two large exhibition areas – Sun Island and the Ice and Snow World – the festival dominates the Chinese city of Harbin, with around 18 million visitors on average flooding both sites over the course of the event. Over 50-years old now, having been founded in 1963, the festival has gone from strength to strength, now turning over billions in revenue.
AN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR
Originally just a Chinese festival, it has since greatly expanded its appeal, with participants and visitors flocking to the arena from across the world, with snow and ice sculpture enthusiasts and artists considering this mecca within their field. Climate conditions are ideal, thanks to its position in the north of the country, with winter winds from Siberia providing the necessary chill to prevent any melting-based mishaps.
A PLACE IN THE SUN
Sun Island is a recreational area that is located on the opposite side of the Songhua River, and is home to the large range of giant snow sculptures that are on show at the festival. There are also full scale buildings erected from ice in the Ice and Snow World, with the structures illuminated at night, having had the raw materials collected from the frozen-over river. These are generally the most popular and spectacular pieces situated within the festival, so if you want some truly unique Instagram content, this could, no should, be the place for you.
SO, HOW DO I ATTEND?
If you’d like to visit the festival without missing out on the wonder of Beijing, Shanghai and the terracotta warriors, Exodus operate a China tour that will cover all of your bases. Taking the worry of meticulous, sometimes maddening organisation out of your hands, you’ll be able to take in a good chunk of this huge country all as part of the same package. In a country at times impenetrable, tours like this are often the best bet for a stress-free experience.
