People are making the best of the freezing weather in northeast China: Sculptors have finely chiseled ice into elaborate structures resembling landmark castles and temples, and visitors are appreciati

Even as the mercury dropped below freezing, enthusiasm soared among about a dozen hardy swimmers during an annual ritual in northeast China’s ice city of Harbin.

In just 30 days, Harbin will welcome athletes from across Asia to pursue their dreams, while the world celebrates winter sports and the passion that drives them forward.

Decked in thick winter jackets, dozens of people stood in subzero temperature next to a pool at Harbin in China’s northernmost province of Heilongjiang on Sunday (January 5), waiting to watch members of a local swim team to take their plunge into the icy water.

The Cambodian artist told China Daily website that she had rehearsed on the frozen Songhua River on Saturday to ensure a successful performance. "It's really cold here for me to do the Aspara dance, but I am happy to present my culture to Chinese people," she said.

HARBIN: Animal ears and pom-poms on fuzzy hats adorn tourists' heads on the streets of the frigid northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, which is enjoying a surge in visitors driven by social media.

Thai teams from Saowabha Vocational College and Saraburi Vocational College jointly took first spot at the 17th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest in Harbin, China, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (Ovec) said on Wednesday.

Shared Dreams of Ice and Snow, United Hearts in Asia' is theme of 2025 Harbin festival The 41st Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened on Sunday, attracting more than 800,000 visitors on its first day.

Tourists pose for photos at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2025. Harbin, with its rich ice and snow resources and a diverse array of winter activities, has emerged as one of China's top winter travel destinations. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Thai teams from Saowabha Vocational College and Saraburi Technical College won first place at the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Contest

HARBIN, China (AP) — People are making the best of the freezing weather in northeast China: Sculptors have finely chiseled ice into elaborate structures resembling landmark castles and temples, and visitors are appreciating the artwork and the excitement of ice slides and other attractions at the annual Harbin Ice and Snow World.

Thai vocational students triumphed in the snow sculpture contest at the China-Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival on Tuesday, showcasing their creativity and reflecting the strong ties between Thailand and China.