The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is an annual winter festival that takes place in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, and now is the largest ice and snow festival in the world! In addition to having a variety of winter activities and home to some of the largest ice sculptures ever constructed, the festival hosts the 3rd largest International Ice Sculpture Competition in the world as well. Last month I was lucky enough to attend The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival and experience the wonder and magic of this amazing ice kingdom!

In addition to the incredible icy architecture, the ice sculptures were small representations of the artistry and skill needed to transform cool ideas into a work of art.

14 countries participated this year including India, Mexico and the United States. Given 10 blocks of ice and five days, each team has to work in sub-zero temperatures creating delicate sculptures demonstrating their understanding of their medium and threshold for the cold.

These are a few of my favorites from the competition, because of their subject matter, intricate elements, and demonstration of skill. Having been raised in a cold climate, I have always respected the ice and snow as resources for recreation but I now have a new found respect for ice sculptures and the ways in which artists transform frozen fractals into art.