Harbin Engineering University in China's Heilongjiang Province became a hub of frosty creativity as the 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest commenced on January 4, 2026. This year's event features 46 university teams from the Chinese mainland and overseas collaborating under subzero temperatures to transform compacted snow blocks into intricate artworks.
Since its 2009 debut, the competition has evolved into a key platform for cross-cultural technical exchange. Participants must account for weather variables and structural integrity while executing designs ranging from abstract concepts to cultural motifs. A team from Singapore told KhabarAsia: "The physical challenge pushes us to innovate – we're using 3D modeling software alongside traditional carving tools."
The event coincides with Harbin's peak winter tourism season, drawing spectators to watch the weeklong transformation of 3-meter-tall snow cubes. Organizers note increased participation from Southeast Asian and European institutions this year, reflecting growing global interest in cold-climate art engineering.
