The air is currently freezing cold in Harbin, in China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province, but people's enthusiasm for enjoying outdoor activities is only warming up, according to local officials.

Harbin Ice and Snow World -- the largest ice and snow theme park in the world -- opened to the public on Dec 23, following a 15-day renovation.

It was first launched in 1999 as a grand winter gala to promote winter tourism, as well as inherit the city’s special ice and snow culture. This year marks its 21th anniversary.

The park covers an area of 600,000 square meters, with the use of 220,000 cubic meters of ice and snow.

Combining light, shadow, colors and rhythms to give visitors a unique experience, the park has a total of 21 ice and snow landscape groups.

These include the Melody of Light and the Crown of Ice and Snow and there are also 20 interactive activities, two international snow sculpture competitions and more than 3,400 indoor and outdoor performances, offering people great choices in entertainment.
  Ice buildings illuminated by colorful lights pictured in the Harbin Ice and Snow World on the evening of Dec 23. [Photo/Xinhua]