There are comparatively small ice sculptures all around the city, but the major exhibits are distributed among three parks.

Ice World is for the gigantic ice structures. It is the coldest I have ever been, akin to a near death experience (the bright lights!) or a trip to outer space.

Balmier by comparison is Sun Island Park, a daytime attraction where you will find the snow sculptures, including an international competition.

And most popular is Zhaolin Park in the center of town, also a setting for ice sculptures.

People come from all over China for the Festival. It is not great art exactly, but it is an unique experience: you have come a long way to suffer extreme cold while facing unbelievable sights. The natural reaction is to laugh, and in all three parks, the sound of muffled laughter echoed through thick scarves.