AMID bitter winds and temperatures well below freezing, Harbin’s winter spectacle is taking shape. This year, the 27th Harbin Ice and Snow World features its tallest structure yet — a main tower topped out Wednesday using 39,000 cubic meters of ice.

The photo series captures the journey of the ice that forms the winter wonderland — from the extraction site on the Songhua River to the sprawling construction site of the ice park.

Expected to open in late December, this year’s Harbin Ice and Snow World continues to blend tradition, innovation, and artistry on a breathtaking scale. (SD News)