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Harbin will transform into a winter paradise where visitors can view an elaborate ice lantern festival, witness snow and ice sculpture competitions, and stroll through snowy worlds filled with whimsical and inspired ice creations. e festival is sure to awe spectators with life-size renderings of historical landmarks and buildings. Visit at night for a light-filled winter experience. Other noteworthy ice festivals this winter include the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, the Ice Sculpture Festival in Bruges, the Moscow Ice Festival, and the World Ice Art Championships right here in the USA. Although a much younger country than some of the other ice festival hosts, the United States has a rich ice carving history as well. Alaska, the host state for the World Ice Art Championships since 1990, is known for its cold temperatures, thick ice, and innovative ice harvesting techniques. Even thousands of years ago, Inuits passing through present-day Alaska took advantage of the bounty of ice, using it to create temporary shelters. Now, the Championships provide a venue for Alaskan natives and prominent ice sculptors from around the globe to display their ice carving talents. e 2019 World Ice Art Championships will take place in Fairbanks, Alaska, on the grounds of the Tanana Valley Fair Association and will be sponsored by Ice Alaska, an organization committed to preserving the art of ice sculpting through educational programs and community outreach. V U E N J . C O M 77

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