Rolling on ice: a special tradition in NE China to greet Lantern Festival

Hundreds of people rolled on the ice in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to greet the upcoming Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 5 this year.

Participants were divided into groups of couples, adults, and teenagers, and the final will be held on Sunday.

Rolling on the ice is said to be able to get rid of diseases, prevent disasters, and stay healthy. Every Lantern Festival, rolling on the ice has become indispensable for people in Qiqihar.

The ice sport in Qiqihar has a history of 100 years and was included in the intangible cultural heritage list by Heilongjiang Provincial Government.