BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Every year, in northeastern China's Heilongjiang province, the city of Harbin hosts an international ice and snow festival featuring a range of snow sports and fun activities, which has put the city firmly on the map.

But there is more to Harbin than ice and snow sculptures. Check out these fascinating pictures to find out more about China's ice city.

HISTORY

Harbin was a sleepy backwater until the Zhongdong Railway line was built in the late 19th century, making the northern city more accessible than ever before. Photo provided to Xinhua

This wall, about 20 km south of Harbin, stands in remembrance of the horrific crimes committed by Unit 731, a Japanese biological and chemical warfare unit during World War II. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua

This imposing structure houses evidence of the crimes committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua

CUISINE AND SNACKS

No need for refrigerators in Harbin -- iced popsicles are sold on the sidewalk. Web photo

Frozen fruit, like pears and persimmons, are sold across the city. Photo by Zhang Linglin

Harbin red sausage is a garlic-flavored, smoked sausage. Web photo

Guobaorou, a fried pork dish in a sweet-and-sour sauce, is the most famous pork dish in Harbin.

Dabaili is a white pear flavor local soda. Photo by Zhang Linglin

BUILDINGS AND ARCHITECTURE

Pedestrians have been walking down Central Street in downtown Harbin for over a century. The shopping thoroughfare features various architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, Neo-Classicalism and avant-garde. Photo provided to Xinhua

The Harbin visitor center on Central Street is a typical example of Baroque style architecture. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua

The Neo-Byzantine St. Sophia Cathedral is the biggest Eastern Orthodox church in the Far East. Its red-brick facade, dark green onion domes and golden crosses atop its spires make this 1907 church an unmissable photo op for visitors to Harbin.

The district of Laodaowai marries Chinese elements with Baroque structures. Photo by Zhang Linglin

FOLK ART

Errenzhuan, or twirling duet, is a performance featuring singing and dancing. It is popular across northeastern China's rural areas. Performers use props such as fans or silk handkerchiefs. Photo by Zheng Huansong/Xinhua

Chinese aunties sing Katyusha, a Soviet Union folk song, in Stalin Park. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua

Band performances are a regular occurrence along Central St, Harbin, and they attract scores of locals and visitors alike. Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua

ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL

Colorful ice sculptures are seen at Harbin Ice-Snow World. The 36th Harbin Ice and Snow Festival kicks off on Jan. 5, 2020. Photo by Zhang Tao/Xinhua

People enjoy the snow during the 32nd Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Exposition in Harbin. Photo by Zhang Tao/Xinhua

A snowman is seen in Harbin, on Jan. 2, 2020. A total of 2,020 snowmen were built across the city to greet the New Year. Photo by Wang Song/Xinhua■