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4 Ice and Snow Festivals in Asia to Visit This Winter

by KKday

Happy Dog at Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival (Flickr / La Priz)

More Singaporeans are abandoning long flights to Europe, choosing to have a white dreamy winter in Eastern Asian countries like Japan and Korea as an alternative. Instead of just engaging in typical winter activities like snowboarding or skiing, why not take some time to attend winter festivals as well? Here are 4 festivals in Asia to complete your holidays this winter!

1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (Korea)
Snow sculpture at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Snow sculpture at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (Flickr / Christopher John SSF)
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is held in Hwacheon County, Gangwon-do annually. Hwacheon is known to be the first region in Korea that freezes over during winter, covering their rivers with a thick layer of ice. You can choose to do some trout catching with your hands in a pool or enjoy ice fishing. With other winter activities like sleigh rides and bob sleighs as well, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Korea definitely adds value to your otherwise boring winter trip.
Looking for more activities in Gangwon?

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2. Lake Khuvsgul Ice Festival (Mongolia)
Lake Khuvsgul Ice Festival (mongoliatour)
Lake Khuvsgul Ice Festival, held at Mongolia’s largest lake (volume wise), features a series of staged activities such as tug-of-war matches and horse-drawn sleigh races, The general public can also marvel at detailed ice sculptures while experiencing Mongolia’s frigid winter. If you’re up for a brutal winter, head on to Mongolia and experience it first hand!
3. Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival (China)
Snow Sphinx at Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival (Flickr / La Priz)
Lauded as the biggest, and the best snow and ice festival in the world, Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival sure doesn’t disappoint. Gigantic structures are sculpted from snow, creating a miniature city that lights up in a technicolor glow after the sun sets. Coupled with winter exhibitions such as ice lantern art fair and international snow sculptures expo, Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival would complete your winter in China.
4. Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan)
Sapporo Snow Festival (Flickr / SteFou!)
Sapporo Snow Festival has an ever-growing presence since 1950, with masterfully created ice and snow sculptures stretching approximately 1.5 kilometres through Odori Park.Be awed as beautiful ice and snow sculptures light up at night, illuminating the darkness. With activities catered for both the young and old at Sapporo Snow Festival, your holiday to Japan during winter isn’t completed till you pay this festival a visit.
Looking for more activities in Sapporo?

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Winter has upped its game and isn’t all about skiing, snowboarding or having snowball fights anymore — winter is now a season for festivals around the world that brings people together, making it the perfect season for travelling and chilling with your loved ones.

Looking for more winter travel guides or inspiration?
>> 4 Coolest Hotels to Fall Asleep Watching the Northern Lights This Christmas
>> 5 Things You Have to Do in Sydney This Winter
>> 4 Things to Do in Australia This Winter Under SGD$120

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