Harbin’s Iconic Ice-Snow World to Expand Ahead of Ninth Asian Winter Games

Harbin, The Gulf Observer: Harbin’s renowned Ice-Snow World, a celebrated ice-and-snow theme park in the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, is set to expand in preparation for the ninth Asian Winter Games, local authorities announced.

Located on the northern bank of the Songhua River, which runs through Harbin, the Ice-Snow World will grow to cover a massive one million square meters during the upcoming snow season, a significant increase from the previous season’s 810,000 square meters. The park, equivalent in size to 140 football fields, will be the largest-ever ice-and-snow display in its history.

This season, 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow will be used to create breathtaking sculptures, including castles and towers, surpassing the 250,000 cubic meters used last year. The park’s design and construction will incorporate themes and elements from the ninth Asian Winter Games, making it a centerpiece of the city’s winter festivities.

The Ice-Snow World originated from the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival, which began in 1963. To mark the new millennium, the current theme park was established in December 1999. Now celebrating its 26th anniversary, the park is scheduled to open in mid-December.

The ninth Asian Winter Games, set to take place from February 7 to 14, 2025, in Harbin, will feature record participation, with over 1,500 athletes from 34 countries and regions already registered. The expanded Ice-Snow World will play a significant role in welcoming visitors and athletes from around the globe to this premier winter sports event.