Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province, the northeastern-most region in China. With its arctic climate and abundant ice and snow, the city is known as China's "Ice City". Since 1963, the world famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival has been held in January each year. During that time, exquisite ice sculptures are decorated with colorful ice lanterns, and winter sports competitions attract thousands of locals and overseas visitors.

Night view of ice sculptures at the Ice and Snow World in Harbin city, northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province on Dec 22, 2014. [Photo/IC]