Harbin’s Sun Island has transformed into a frosty gallery as the 37th International Snow Sculpture Art Expo showcases over 260 dazzling creations, blending Chinese cultural icons with winter sports spirit. From the mythical Monkey King to the iconic Great Wall, the expo’s intricate sculptures highlight both tradition and innovation, with temperatures dipping to -20°C failing to cool visitor enthusiasm.
\"Each sculpture tells a story,\" explained local guide Zhang Wei, pointing to a 15-meter-tall piece depicting Binbin and Nini, mascots of the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games. The event has become a bridge for cultural exchange, with international travelers like Maria Lopez from Spain sharing: \"It’s magical how snow becomes art here—I’ve never seen anything like it.\"
The expo coincides with Harbin’s push to position itself as a hub for ice tourism, leveraging its subzero climate to attract over 1 million visitors annually. With the Asian Winter Games set for February 2024, organizers are integrating sports themes into installations, creating synergies between art and athleticism.
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Harbin's snow sculptures draw foreigners to ice and snow activities
cgtn.com
