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Chilly winter weather is sweeping its way across the world, and in Harbin, China, local artists are celebrating January’s ice and snow through sculptures and artwork during the 30th annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

This year’s month-long celebration kicked off on Jan. 5 with the debut of thousands of sculptures, recreational areas and monumental replica towns and architecture throughout the city, all made with ice from the nearby Songhua River. The icy wonderland takes roughly 7,000 artists and sculptors to create the final masterpiece, which will be open to visitors through the end of February.

Take a look at some of the breathtaking creations that have been part of the festival through the years.

 

(Main image: mickeyvdo)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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