09/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 9, 2026

23

LYFE

Snow sculptures at the icy theme park.

A flock of people visiting the Harbin Ice and Snow World during the 42nd Harbin China International Ice and Snow Festival.

A woman poses for a picture in front of an ice castle.

Icy, cold wonderland L IVING out their winter wonderland dreams, travellers wrapped in their puffer jackets and layered heat-tech clothes got to live out their wintry dreams at the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, China during the 42nd Harbin China International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province on last Monday. The dreamlike theme park was an o Harbin turns into winter dream for its 42nd international festival

icy fairytale that came to live. Bright colours at night and snow sculptures to enjoy in the day, each corner exudes the unique charm of ice and snow art. Here is a series of pictures showcasing the wintry paradise.

Colourfully lit ice castles during nighttime.

Illuminated ice sculptures during the opening ceremony of the 42nd Harbin China International Ice and Snow Festival at Harbin. – PICS FROM AFP

A woman poses at one of the ice sculptures at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World.

People taking pictures during the artificial snow pour down.

Elvis Presley-themed train departs for Australian tribute festival An Elvis tribute artiste waves to the singer’s fans ELVIS Presleyfans and tribute artistes kicked off their annual journey to the Elvis Festival in the Australian regional town of Parkes last Wednesday.

Elvis fans wait to board the Elvis Express from Sydney’s Central Station.

on board the Elvis Express from Sydney’s Central Station, heading to the country town of Parkes for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. – PICS FROM REUTERS

Enthusiasts, dressed in Elvis-style clothing, converged on Central Station in Sydney before embarking on a 357km westward journey on the Elvis Express, a special train organised by the festival. The seven-hour railway trip features a continuous line-up of Elvis-themed entertainment, including tribute artistes performing some of the rock and roll king’s greatest hits. “For the last two years, I’ve been told how incredible this festival is ... I made the conscious decision to come this year and I’m already thankful that I’ve come, one day in,” said Louis Brown, an Elvis tribute artiste who flew from the UK to attend the event. Organisers of the Parkes Elvis Festival, which typically takes place during the second week of January every year, expect around 24,000 attendees – double the town’s permanent population. – Reuters

Elvis tribute artistes entertain fans on board.

An Elvis fan.