Highly anticipated giant snow sculpture debuts at Harbin expo

A giant snow sculpture depicting a celebrated Chinese mythological hero debuted onat the 38th Harbin Sun Island International SnowSculpture Art Expo on Dec 22. Titled"I Am the Master of My Own Fate", the work embodies the theme of self-determination and taking control of one's own destiny.

Standing 17 meters tall, the sculpture used 2,200 cubic meters of snow. Detailed carvings highlight the character’s determined expression, palm lines, and the distinct shape of his weapons. The creators adopted an optical technique on the eyes, making them gleam in sunlight to enhance the figure’s vivid presence.

Preparations for the expo are underway. With a theme of "Poetic Beauty in an Icy World", this year’s expocovers 1.5 million square meters and is expected to useapproximately 120,000 cubic meters of snow.

Alongside the Snow Sculpture Expo, the Harbin Ice-Snow World—the world's largest ice and snow theme park—stands as another must-visit destination this winter. Now in its 27th edition, the site spans 1.2 million square meters, making it the largest in its history. One of its highlights is the ice-carved replica of Harbin's Chinese Baroque-stylebuildings,which has become a popular photography spot.

This winter, Harbin — China’s “Ice City” —invites the world to discover its magical landscape of snow and ice.

Yuan Liao(Cecilia)and Wang Sa contributed to this story.