As early as 1980s, the ice lanterns in Harbin were known by many tourists from all over China. The local interesting winter activities and sports made the ice city more vitality in winter. The local unique snow and cultural activities have been subject to the government's attention. Especially, when the officers of the Propaganda Department of Harbin Municipal Party Committee met the tourists from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, they found that their guests were very crazy about Harbin's ice lanterns, ice cultures, winter activities and snow, they had an idea for holding the ice and snow festival to promote Harbin's tourism. In Oct. 1983 the officers approached Harbin Municipal Party Committee with a suggestion. After more than a year's unremitting effort, the suggestion was accepted by both Harbin Municipal Government and Heilongjiang Provincial Government. On Jan. 5, 1885, the first Ice Lantern Show was declared its opening at Zhaoling Park. At the same time, the government announced the annual Ice and Snow Festival starts at Jan 5 and last about 2-3 months.