Winter just got way cooler! Beijing’s iconic Longqing Gorge erupted in frosty magic yesterday as the 40th Ice Lantern Art Festival kicked off with a dazzling tribute to China’s beloved Monkey King legend. 🧊🎨
Inspired by the 1960s animated classic Havoc in Heaven, artists carved towering ice sculptures of Sun Wukong (that’s the Monkey King, for newbies 😉), mythical palaces, and battle scenes straight from the film. Think: glowing LED-lit ice dragons, crystalline peach gardens, and even an interactive ice slide shaped like the hero’s iconic staff! 🏔️⚡
"This year’s theme merges nostalgia with frosty innovation," said a festival organizer. "Young visitors love snapping selfies with these icy legends!" 📸❄️ Pro tip: Night tours are everything—imagine neon-lit ice pagodas reflecting off frozen rivers. ✨
Running until late February 2026, the festival also features live ice-carving demos and hot cocoa stations (because even Monkey Kings need warm-ups!). Perfect for travelers craving #WinterWonderland vibes with a cultural twist. 🇨🇳❄️
