Harbin’s iconic winter tourism scene reached new heights this week as workers completed the structural framework of a 19-meter-tall snowman at Music Promenade Square in Heilongjiang Province. Built with over 3,000 cubic meters of snow—a record for the city—the cheerful sculpture features heart-shaped buttons and a tilted-head design that has already captivated early visitors.
The snowman, completed on December 15, 2025, symbolizes Harbin’s growing status as a global hub for ice tourism. Local authorities highlight its role in boosting winter travel to Northeast China, with hotel bookings in the region rising 22% year-on-year since construction began. Cultural analysts note the sculpture’s playful design aligns with China’s recent emphasis on family-friendly winter attractions.
As temperatures drop below -20°C, crews now turn to lighting installations and safety reinforcements ahead of the official December 20 opening. The project demonstrates advanced snow-compaction techniques developed by Harbin engineers, now being adopted in snow festivals from Sapporo to Oslo.
