Asia Winter Science Popularization Issue 3丨Technology empowers "Improvement" of ice and snow sports safety in "Erbin"

As one of the top ten ice and snow tourism cities in China, Harbin continues to gain popularity this winter, and "Harbin" has become a top internet celebrity. The dreamy ice and snow world and the enthusiastic people of Northeast China have attracted countless tourists, turning the ice and snow into gold and silver. This ice and snow fever has not only ignited the vitality of the city, but also let the world see the infinite charm of ice and snow tourism.

Skating, ice skating, riding motorcycles and go-karting on the ice of the Songhua River have also become indispensable check-in experience projects for winter tourism in Harbin. In order to ensure a better experience for tourists and provide them with safer protection, professionals use technology to ensure the safety of the ice surface.

In order to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of tourists, the Harbin Emergency Management Bureau commissioned the Institute of Engineering Mechanics of the China Earthquake Administration to monitor the thickness of the ice layer in the open river recreation area, analyze the carrying capacity of the ice layer, and write an ice surface safety monitoring and assessment report. In 2024-2025, the Harbin Emergency Management Bureau commissioned a total of 10 monitoring areas with a total area of ​​7.56 square kilometers.

Assist the Ice Harvest Festival to ensure safe ice harvesting

On December 7, 2024, the 5th Harbin Ice Harvesting Festival kicked off on the north bank of the Songhua River. The expert group measured and analyzed the carrying capacity of the ice layer in advance to ensure the safety of ice harvesting activities.

Build a safe "ice layer" and be the "pulse checker" for ice and snow sports safety

From January 1 to mid-February 2024, a team of experts from the Institute of Engineering Mechanics of the China Earthquake Administration carried out on-site monitoring of ice thickness and safety assessments on the Songhua River where the Harbin Ice and Snow Carnival project is located to ensure the safety of tourists.

In January 2025, the Institute of Engineering Mechanics of the China Earthquake Administration organized the 7th Harbin Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival on January 4 and the first ice and snow carnival in Yanshou County on January 6 in Changshou Lake Scenic Area. The Institute of Engineering Mechanics of the China Earthquake Administration carried out on-site monitoring and safety assessment services for ice thickness, including coring, radar monitoring, vibration monitoring , etc., accurately measuring ice thickness based on the dielectric constant characteristics of ice, and conveniently, efficiently and accurately evaluating ice safety in real time.

Tighten the dynamic monitoring safety net to protect tourists from having fun

Drone cruise

Ice layer vibration characteristics test

In addition, technicians also use dynamic monitoring technologies such as drone cruises, drilling surveys, geological radar scanning, and ice layer vibration characteristics testing to protect tourists from having fun.

Ensure the safety of "ice fishing" to protect the "ice and snow economy" in Longjiang

From December 2024 to January 2025, experts from the Institute of Engineering Mechanics of the China Earthquake Administration carried out ice thickness monitoring and safety assessment work in ice activity areas for the China Heilongjiang Hulin International Ice Fishing Invitational, the first China Hulin "Green City Cup" Ice Fishing Masters, Bin County Erlong Lake Winter Fishing Festival and the 2024 Bin County Third Ice and Snow Carnival theme activities. With the help of ground penetrating radar technology, the expert group determined the thickness of the ice layer based on the dielectric constant characteristics of the ice, analyzed and calculated the bearing capacity of the ice surface, ensured the safety of personnel, and assisted the smooth development of activities, thus safeguarding Heilongjiang's ice and snow entertainment activities.

First instance: Sun Yu

Second trial: Suo Yingxing

Third review: Shi Guoli