Harbin's Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo has unveiled its centerpiece for 2026: a 23.8-meter-tall snowman sculpture symbolizing global unity and Lunar New Year celebrations. Since opening on December 27, 2025, the winter spectacle has drawn thousands to experience its frosty artistry while positioning the city as a cultural hub ahead of its role as a sub-venue for China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala.
The exhibition's timing coincides with heightened interest in Northeast Asian winter tourism, with visitor numbers to the Chinese mainland's northern regions increasing 18% year-on-year. Cultural analysts note the snowman's outstretched arms mirror traditional Lunar New Year greetings, blending modern installation art with centuries-old customs.
As temperatures hover at -20°C, the expo demonstrates advanced snow preservation techniques developed by Harbin Institute of Technology researchers. These innovations enable the sculptures to maintain structural integrity through March, extending opportunities for cultural exchange and winter tourism development.
