A snow sculpture in the shape of the Great Wall attracts attention during the ice and snow season opening event in Baotou on Jan 6. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Excitement has been building in the run-up to the annual ice and snow cultural tourism season, which opened on Jan 6 in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to local media reports.

The event, which runs until Feb 28, has six venues. The Huawu Renjian Scenic Area will be the main venue, with Baotou Olympic Sports Park, the Kunlun Ski Resort, Baotou Amusement Park, Nanhai Wetland Scenic Spot and Saikhantal Park as branch venues. 

Illuminated ice sculptures set up at Huawu Renjian Scenic Area [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Created with a total investment of 7 million yuan ($1.08 million), the Huawu Renjian Scenic Area has an ice and snow viewing area and play area covering more than 50,000 square meters. It is the only ice and snow venue in Baotou city specializing in ice and snow sculptures.