China kicks off Ice Festival with fireworks and drone show

Fireworks and a synchronized drone display illuminated the night sky above towering ice sculptures at the opening of China’s annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in northeastern Heilongjiang province. The festival, which officially opened on Monday, drew thousands of visitors to Harbin to view large-scale illuminated ice and snow installations, a signature attraction of the winter event.

The site featured expansive ice structures carved from local ice blocks and enhanced with colored lighting, alongside a scheduled fireworks display and aerial drone performance. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is held each winter and is one of China’s largest cold-weather tourism events, attracting domestic and international tourists to the region during the peak winter season.