In pictures: International Ice and Snow Festival

People visit one of the world's biggest ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival to celebrate the new year

The 2016 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival kicked off in China's northeastern Heilongjiang province on Tuesday, with some of the world’s biggest ice and snow sculptures, as well as tour packages including ice hotels, skiing and dog-sled rides.

This year's festival is themed "Pearl on the Crown of Ice and Snow". The event draws visitors from all over China as well as from abroad to Harbin, one of the country's coldest places.

Here we look at 16 vibrant night shots which highlight the unique event.

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP