Every winter, in an incredible feat of engineering, artistry, and massive financial outlay, the city of Harbin in China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province constructs a spectacular, full-scale metropolis made entirely of ice. Dubbed the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, this dazzling “Ice City” costs the government and organizers an estimated $100 million or more to build each year—only to be completely dismantled or melt away just two to three months later.

This annual temporary city—known officially as the Harbin Ice and Snow World—is the central highlight of the festival.

Covering an area larger than many city parks, the construction requires hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of ice, meticulously carved from the frozen Songhua River. The resulting cityscape is a breathtaking wonderland of life-sized ice castles, glowing pagodas, towering replicas of world landmarks, and massive ice slides, all illuminated by multi-colored lights.

While the exact final cost varies yearly, the investment is enormous, covering:

• Labor: Thousands of skilled ice carvers, or “Ice Builders,” work around the clock in sub-zero temperatures (often below −20∘C) to create the intricate structures.
• Lighting and Infrastructure: A vast network of LED lights and electrical systems are embedded within the ice to create the glowing spectacle.
• Operating Costs: The festival runs for approximately two months, typically from late December to late February, requiring significant operational expenses.

While the idea of a $100 million city vanishing with the spring thaw seems an economic oddity, the Harbin Ice City is a phenomenal success story in winter tourism.

The massive annual investment is not merely a lavish display but a key driver for the regional economy. The Ice and Snow Festival, which attracts millions of domestic and international tourists, generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the city over the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays, making it a critical annual cash injection for the Northeast’s economy.

The fleeting nature of the Ice City only adds to its global appeal, ensuring that new, unique designs and sculptures draw record crowds back every winter for the world’s largest and most extravagant seasonal spectacle.