Experience the Art of Snow at Harbin’s Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo

Published on December 30, 2025

The 38th edition of the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo officially opened its trial run on Saturday in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, offering an immersive winter art experience for both local and international visitors. Spanning an impressive 1.5 million square meters, this year’s expo is set to captivate art enthusiasts, tourists, and families alike, as it brings together spectacular snow sculptures crafted from 120,000 cubic meters of snow. The expo continues to grow as one of China’s largest and most anticipated winter festivals, drawing crowds eager to witness the blend of artistic talent and winter wonderland aesthetics.

A Grand Winter Art Display

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo has been a hallmark of Harbin’s winter tourism for nearly four decades. This year, the expo is showcasing a variety of snow sculptures, ranging from large-scale complexes that tell stories to intricate and lifelike designs that display the skill of the sculptors. The snow sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that highlights the details and creativity of each piece.

Visitors can expect to explore a vast landscape of snowy art installations, from towering sculptures to smaller, delicate designs, each representing different cultural themes, folklore, and fantastical creatures. The sheer scale of the event, combined with the artistic diversity of the sculptures, creates an immersive experience that captures the magic of winter in a uniquely artistic form.

This year’s theme emphasizes both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, allowing visitors to experience a rich variety of works that reflect the creativity of artists from around the world. The diversity of sculptures on display invites visitors to contemplate the beauty of winter and the artistic possibilities that can be achieved with snow as the medium.

The Sun Island Expo: A Key Attraction for Harbin Tourism

Harbin, known as China’s “Ice City,” is famous for its winter festivals and snow-related attractions, with the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo being one of its largest draws. The expo takes place on Sun Island, a beautiful recreational area located just outside of Harbin’s city center. The island is a popular spot for tourists year-round, but it truly comes alive during the winter months, when it transforms into a snowy art haven.

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo, along with Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival, draws millions of visitors every year, making winter tourism a major economic contributor to the region. The event has become synonymous with Harbin’s identity as a winter destination, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of snow sculptures and participate in a variety of activities, from snow sports to winter photography.

Beyond the sculptures, the Sun Island area offers picturesque landscapes and plenty of space for visitors to explore and enjoy the winter outdoors. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and traditional ice skating on frozen rivers are among the activities that add to the allure of the region during the winter season.

International Participation and Cultural Exchange

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo has become an international event, attracting talented artists from all over the globe. Every year, sculptors from different countries participate in the event, bringing diverse artistic styles and cultural influences to the snow sculptures. This international aspect of the expo adds a layer of cultural exchange, where visitors can learn about various traditions and artistic techniques used to craft the sculptures.

Many of the sculptures created at the expo are built by teams of professional snow sculptors who participate in friendly competitions. These teams work together for weeks to carve out their designs, using specialized tools and techniques to ensure the snow sculptures remain stable and aesthetically impressive. The competition element adds a sense of excitement to the event, as visitors can watch the progress of the sculptures over time and witness the artists’ dedication to their craft.

A Family-Friendly Winter Experience

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo is not only a haven for art lovers but also a family-friendly destination. Families visiting Harbin during the winter season can enjoy the beauty of the snow sculptures while engaging in a variety of other activities. The expo provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children, with designated play areas where they can participate in snow-based games or simply enjoy the snowy landscape.

For those looking to explore the city further, Harbin offers additional attractions that complement the snow sculpture experience. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, a short distance from the expo, showcases massive ice sculptures, ice palaces, and ice buildings that are illuminated at night. The nearby St. Sophia Cathedral and the Harbin Polarland are also popular family-friendly destinations, adding variety to the winter experience in the city.

Accessibility and Travel Information

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo is easily accessible from Harbin’s city center. Tourists can take buses, taxis, or even cable cars to reach the expo site, where they will be greeted with the magnificent display of snow sculptures. The event runs throughout the winter season, typically from late December through February, aligning with the peak of Harbin’s winter tourism period.

Harbin is well-connected to major cities in China, with convenient transportation options including flights, trains, and buses. For international visitors, Harbin Taiping International Airport provides direct flights from several countries, making it an ideal gateway to experience China’s winter wonderland.

Conclusion

The Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo continues to be one of Harbin’s most significant tourism events, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the awe-inspiring artistry and cultural richness of snow sculpture. With its vast displays, international participation, and family-friendly activities, the expo offers an unforgettable winter experience. For travelers seeking to embrace the beauty of winter and immerse themselves in a world of artistic snow creations, Harbin’s Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo is an essential destination.