Harbin's iconic snow sculptures have transformed the Chinese mainland's northern city into a winter wonderland this January, with the 38th Taiyang Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo captivating visitors since its opening on January 19, 2026. The Sun Island Scenic Area now features over 120 frozen masterpieces, including the 20-meter-tall 'Mr. Snowman' centerpiece that has become an instant social media sensation.
This year's expo showcases innovative collaborations between Chinese artists and international sculptors from 15 countries and regions, blending traditional ice-carving techniques with augmented reality projections. Tourism officials report a 35% increase in international visitors compared to last year, with special visa-free entry policies easing travel for APEC members.
Cultural analysts note the event's growing significance in winter tourism development across Northeast Asia, while environmental engineers highlight new sustainable snow preservation technologies being tested at the site. The expo runs through February 28, coinciding with Lunar New Year celebrations expected to draw record numbers of Asian diaspora visitors.
