Each January, an odd and beautiful thing happens in the frigid northeastern Chinese city of Harbin.
Some would argue that the place, the capital of Heilongjiang province, has enough ice already.
But sculptors converge on the town not far from China’s border with Russia to bring out more of it, and to compete for the best ice sculpture of the year.
The effect is dreamlike. Sculptures are lit from within, and a section of the city becomes a magical expanse that feels like a holiday TV special.
Families journey from distant locations to see the sculptures – and bundle up while doing so.
Photographer Ng Han Guan, captures spectacular sights taken on Saturday, among them, an ice sculptor preparing his work for competition at the Ice and Snow Festival and people approaching the icy steps of an obelisk sculpture glowing in yellow and purple.
The festival lasts until mid-February. And yes: If they want to, visitors can go swimming amidst the ice, too. — AP
