Officials from the organizing committee announce the opening of the Manzhouli Ice and Snow Festival on Sunday, December 25, 2011. [Photo:mzl.gov.cn]

The 13th Manzhouli Ice and Snow Festival opened Sunday in Manzhouli in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with a theme focusing on the cultural and tourism exchanges between the city and bordering Russian and Mongolia towns.

Manzhouli is one of China's main winter destinations because of the large amount of snow it receives as well as its cultural mix. One highlight of this year's ice and snow festival is a beauty contest with contenders from Russia and Mongolia.

Those who visit the festival can participate in traditional winter fishing on Hulun Lake in the middle of the open prairie that encircles Manzhouli. The festival also offers a lineup of sports competitions, including ice hockey and snowboarding.

In addition, more than 400 ice and snow sculptures based on architectural and cultural symbols of China, Russia and Mongolia are scattered around city venues.

An opening ceremony featuring fireworks, performances and attendees from co-host cities in Russia and Mongolia was held on December 25 to officially begin the festival.