Neon and fairy lights make the spectacle even more impressive, especially at night time.

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, sees the country’s finest ice sculptures light up the city with a series of stunning creations. It certainly makes the sub-zero temperatures easier to bear when you’re surrounded by such awesome work. As you’d expect, locals and tourists alike are flocking to see the impressive ice creations before they melt. Neon and fairy lights make the spectacle even more impressive, especially at night time.

The Yanqing Ice Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in northern China. As well as ice sculpting, people also take part in ice skating, skiing and, obviously, ice statue competitions. Ice festivals are clearly a big deal and a similar event, called the Harbin International Ice Festivalalso attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Via The Laughing Squid/Geyser of Awesome

Images: Lintao Zhang