Harbin, China — Fireworks paint the sky red above ice sculptures during the opening ceremony of the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China on Jan. 5.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50269

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Harbin, China — Visitors enjoy the sights at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50270

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Harbin, China — A woman climbs up an ice tower as visitors take pictures at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival held in Harbin, China.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50271

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Harbin, China — Sunset is seen near a castle made from blocks of ice before the opening ceremony of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

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Harbin, China — An ice castle provides an irresistible backdrop to a group of girls visiting the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

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Harbin, China — Ice buildings glow at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50252

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Harbin, China — People visit ice sculptures at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50170

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Harbin, China — A young girl has fun in an ice slide at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

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Harbin, China — A horse-drawn carriage is seen amid ice sculptures and illuminated trees at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

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Harbin, China — Visitors take photos on an ice sculpture at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

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Harbin, China — Visitors ride a horse-drawn carriage at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

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Harbin, China — People visit ice sculptures at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50175

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Harbin, China — Visitors walk up stairs made from blocks of ice for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

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Harbin, China — Silhouetted visitors walk up an ice castle made for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. The festival is scheduled to officially open on Thursday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Andy Wong / Associated Press

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50177

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Harbin, China — People visit ice sculptures at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50213

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Harbin, China — Visitors take photos on a ice sculpture at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50214

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Harbin, China — A man works on a snow sculpture at Sun Island, as part of the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50215

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Harbin, China — A man dives into a pool cut out of the frozen waters of the Songhua Jiang river in sub-zero temperatures during a winter swimming event as part of the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: DIEGO AZUBEL / EPA

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=50216

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