International Ice and Snow Festival

This entrance — the ice gates — to the festival of snow and ice sculptures in Harbin. On the eve of the opening, January 4, workers are making the final preparations.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


On the eve of the festival opening. Ice castles. January 4, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


Workers are finishing a huge snow sculpture, January 4, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


On the eve of the opening of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Many sculptures can only be accessed by cranes.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):



On the eve of the festival opening January 4, 2011, Harbin, China.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


The day before the opening. The main entrance to the festival is visible behind the carriages, January 4, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


The final rehearsal of the performers, January 4, 2011, Harbin, China.
(Photo How Hwee Young | EPA):


Performers in costumes, January 4, 2011.
(Photo How Hwee Young | EPA):


The day before the opening, January 4, 2011, Harbin, China.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


Carriages for future visitors, January 4, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


And this is the process of creating a snow sculpture, January 4, 2011, Harbin, China.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


Snow sculpture, January 4, 2011.
(Photo How Hwee Young | EPA):


Snow house and swans, January 4, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


And this is the opening ceremony of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, China, January 5, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):







A visitor is taking a photo against the backdrop of a snow sculpture, January 5, Harbin, China.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China, January 5, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):


All ice sculptures are illuminated from within, January 5, 2011.
(Photo David Gray | Reuters):





International Ice and Snow Festival