Now, the makings of ice lanterns have become an elegant art presenting different designs such as ice flowers, ice buildings, and ice sculptures. For example, ice buildings take on distinct shapes such as palaces, vehicles, or temples . Ice sculptures are mostly circular and with colorful lightings inside, making them bright and dazzling especially at night.

 Winter swimming

More than 80 years ago, some Russians living in Harbin would chisel a big hole of five meters in width in the frozen Songhua River in winters and washed there. Some brave ones would jump into the hole for a swim. It was said that some Harbin people learned from the Russians and more than 20 years ago the first 20 swimming fans began to swim in the river in the winter for the first time. However, at that time, they had to bear the sneers calling them lunatics.

Twenty-one years ago, when the first Harbin International Snow and Ice Festival was held, the local government decided to include winter swimming in the festival as an important content. From then on, winter swimming began. Now the whole world knows that in the city of Harbin, a group of brave people dares to swim in the frozen Songhua River. Now, Harbin is famous for its winter swimming, which is regarded as the most authentic all over the country. People regard Harbin as the Mecca of winter swimming.

Today, winter swimming is held like a raging fire. Many people, whether young or old, men or women, favor winter swimming. When you see them jumping into the piercing cold water with cheerful smiles enjoying themselves, you may forget that it is a winter day with the air temperature minus 30 degrees Celsius. If you ask these swimmers why they like winter swimming, they may answer you by saying that they are seeking a kind of happiness. However, if you are brave enough to try yourself, don't forget to put on your shoes after coming out of the water, or your feet will stick to the big block of ice you are standing on. Now even many Russians come to Harbin to compete with the local people in the sport that was first brought to Harbin by their predecessors.

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