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A. Look at the photo and read the title. When do you think this festival takes place? What do you think the weather is like?
B. Read quickly. Underline the weather words. Read again. Where is the city of Harbin?
HARBIN ICE and SNOW FESTIVAL
Every year, on January 5th, the city of Harbin in northeast China changes into a winter wonderland. Tourists from all around the world come to visit this amazing ice and snow festival.
The festival started in 1963 and began as a winter party. The festival usually lasts for one month. However, if the weather stays cold and dry, it goes on for a few more days. Temperatures are usually very cold. They can go down to -17°C.
Ice sculptors use different tools to carve the hard ice and snow. These sculptors display their work in two main areas. "Sun Island" has huge snow sculptures of people and animals. "Ice and Snow World" has sculptures of buildings. At night, these buildings light up with brightly colored lights.
Visitors can do a lot of other activities, such as skiing and ice sliding. They can also go swimming in the icy waters of the Songhua River.
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is very popular. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the festival.
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