Ice collection festival opens in Harbin, Northeast China – Xinhua Silk Road

The commencement of an ice collection festival in Harbin, northeast China, on Thursday signals the initiation of the snow and ice tourism season for the renowned “ice city.” Embedded in the city’s tradition, ice collection takes place after Major Snow, or “Da Xue,” the 21st Solar Term on the Chinese lunar calendar, occurring on December 7 this year. Local residents venture to the frozen Songhua River equipped with tools to gather ice cubes, utilized for food storage in icehouses and crafting ice sculptures. Evolving from a longstanding custom, this practice has transformed into a significant festival, drawing visitors globally.

Anticipating the spectacle of ice collection, Harbin resident Zhou Jie expressed surprise, stating, “I didn’t expect such a grand scene of ice collecting. It’s so interesting.”

Beyond ice collection, festival attendees can indulge in local cuisine and participate in ice sports. First-time participant Huang Jing relished hot and fresh dumplings on the ice while immersing in the festive snow and ice ambiance. Huang extended a sincere invitation to tourists nationwide as the Harbin Ice and Snow World prepared to open.

Harbin inaugurates its annual ice and snow season with the ice collection festival. This year’s season will encompass four thematic sections and include seven major series of activities. Boasting over a hundred ice and snow events, the city aims to establish itself as a globally renowned hub for snow and ice tourism.

Snow and ice tourism has emerged as a pivotal driver of growth for Harbin and Heilongjiang Province. According to a report by China Economic Information Service, the Heilongjiang snow and ice tourism development index reached 185.5 in 2022, a 9.38% year-on-year increase, with a remarkable 65.95% growth in industry investment.

He Jing, head of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, emphasized the province’s commitment to the high-quality development of its ice and snow economy, leveraging its unique natural advantages.

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