2011 Harbin Ice and Snow Festival to Open

A fireworks display at the opening ceremony of last year's Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, northern China's main winter tourism event, is set to open on January 5, offering more than 100 activities in Harbin city.

Spanning three months, the festival will hold sports competitions such as snowboarding, winter swimming and curling along with a series of ice sculptures and fireworks displays.

As an fireworks additional highlight of this year's event, 10 people will be selected through a nationwide online campaign for all-expenses-paid trips to the festival.

First held in 1985, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival has developed into the city's premier annual event, attracting numerous domestic and foreign tourists.