HARBIN CITY (China), Jan 6 ― The 2016 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival kicked off in China's northeastern Heilongjiang province yesterday, with large and intricate snow and ice sculptures on display.

This year's festival is themed “Pearl on the Crown of Ice and Snow”.

The event draws visitors from all over China as well as from abroad to Harbin, one of the country's coldest places. ― Reuters

People visit ice sculptures illuminated by coloured lights on the opening day of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in the northern city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China, January 6, 2016. ― Reuters pic