Guinness recognizes Harbin Ice and Snow World

The 40th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival — the city's annual winter gala — kicked off at the park, welcoming tourists from around the world.

"Heilongjiang has plentiful ice and snow resources. It is also the birthplace of China's modern ice and snow industry," Heilongjiang Governor Liang Huiling said at the opening ceremony. "Currently, Heilongjiang is vigorously developing cultural tourism and carrying out activities to promote the ice and snow economy."

The park's popularity has aided the development of the whole province's snow and ice economy, she added.