The sky erupts with fireworks on the opening night of the third Happy Ice and Snow Carnival in Hohhot. [Photo/WeChat account of Wenlyu Qingcheng]

The heavens erupted with fireworks and a cornucopia of events took place as the curtain officially rose on the third Happy Ice and Snow Carnival in Hohhot – capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – on Jan 12. 

Amid hosting of the 14th National Winter Games, the Happy Ice and Snow Carnival – which runs to Feb 24 – aims to further develop Hohhot's ice and snow sports, culture and tourism industries.

By transforming its so-called cold resources into hot business, the city is seeking to galvanize the high-quality development of Hohhot's special form of ice and snow cultural tourism.

Penguins entertain the spectators in their own quaint fashion. [Photo/WeChat account of Wenlyu Qingcheng]

Visitors can not only marvel at 12 meticulously crafted ice sculptures – but also experience the breathtaking 14-meter-tall Light of the Silk Road main tower.

Additionally, they can also take a gander at 10 Papua penguins on a grand outdoor parade, get up close and personal with adorable alpacas and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment – including the city's longest 300 m, eight-track super-long ice slide and large snow slopes.

Moreover, more than 20 entertainment options – including ice dragon boats, snow bumper balls, ice hockey matches, as well as enchanting fireworks displays and ice and snow music performances – are providing a rich and unique ice and snow cultural experience for visitors to enjoy all the charms and great fun of winter.