The 5th Harbin Ice Harvest Festival began on Saturday on the frozen Songhua River in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. A grand opening ceremony drew crowds of locals and tourists alike, who gathered to witness the first ice block being pulled from the river amidst traditional folk rituals. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of activities and sampled local delicacies.

Over the coming weeks, the ice harvested from the river will be used to construct the renowned Harbin Ice and Snow World, as well as the venues and ice sculptures for the Asian Winter Games, which are set to take place in February 2025.

Six-meter-tall snow sculptures of the two Asian Winter Games’ mascots “Binbin” and “Nini,” which have been erected near the Songhua River, became popular photo spots for visitors to the opening ceremony, adding to the festive atmosphere.