Harbin, China, December 22, 2024: The highly-anticipated Harbin Ice and Snow World opened its gates on Saturday, December 21, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

This year marks the 26th edition of the theme park, which covers 1 million square meters and features snow sculptures, landscapes, ice castles and stage shows.

This year's edition fully incorporates elements of winter sports as Harbin is set to host the 9thAsian Winter Games from February 7-14, 2025 with six sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events.

An additional attraction in the Harbin Ice and Snow World will be the Asian Games Glory Square, where medal-winners will be celebrated every day of the games, along with a cultural festival.

The theme park is constructed from ice excavated from the frozen Songhua River – the fifth longest river in China at 1,897km. (CGTN)