Harbin's Songhua River has become a frosty canvas for creativity as the annual Ice and Snow Carnival showcases hundreds of whimsical snow sculptures. Local artists have transformed 20,000 cubic meters of snow into playful cartoon characters and figures from Chinese mythology, drawing global travelers to this -30°C playground in northeastern China.
Visitors brave the chill to pose with grinning pandas, majestic dragons, and even pop culture icons sculpted with razor-sharp detail. The festival highlights Harbin's cultural legacy of winter craftsmanship while embracing modern themes – social media feeds are buzzing with influencers snapping photos beside frozen renditions of viral anime characters.
As night falls, LED-lit sculptures create an ethereal blue landscape, with food stalls serving steaming dumplings and hot pot to shivering art enthusiasts. The event runs through March, aligning with China's push to boost winter tourism and cultural exchanges through seasonal attractions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
