Harbin launched its sixth annual Ice Harvest Festival this Sunday along the frozen expanse of the Songhua River, strategically timed to coincide with Daxue, the traditional Chinese solar term marking ‘Major Snow.’ The ceremony unfolded with deep cultural reverence as workers adorned in historical costumes performed the ritual extraction of the inaugural ice block from the river’s thick frozen surface.
The opening ceremony featured a formal blessing reading that paid homage to ancient traditions before the skilled harvesters commenced their work. This ceremonial commencement signals the official start of Harbin’s winter tourism season, drawing both domestic and international visitors to witness this unique cultural spectacle.
The Ice Harvest Festival serves multiple purposes: preserving northeastern China’s winter cultural heritage, boosting local tourism during the cold months, and providing raw materials for the city’s world-renowned ice sculpture exhibitions. The harvested ice blocks, known for their exceptional clarity and structural integrity from the Songhua River’s pristine waters, will be transformed into elaborate artistic installations throughout the city.
This year’s festival continues Harbin’s legacy as China’s ‘Ice City,’ combining traditional practices with modern tourism development. The event showcases how ancient winter survival techniques have evolved into celebrated cultural practices that attract global attention and contribute significantly to the regional economy during the winter season.