Unveil the Magic of Harbin: Winter Festivals, Snow Sculptures, and Spring Festival Celebrations

Published on December 11, 2025

A stunning new snow sculpture, titled “The Fairy Tale Pony Family”, is taking shape at the entrance to the Harbin Ice and Snow World in Heilongjiang Province, China. Standing over 10 meters tall, the large-scale sculpture is designed to celebrate the upcoming Chinese zodiac year of the horse in 2026. Made from 5,000 cubic meters of snow, the pony family is a striking visual centerpiece of the region’s famous winter festivities. This art installation is part of Harbin’s annual Ice and Snow Festival, one of the world’s largest and most celebrated winter tourism events.

The snow sculpture depicts a family of playful ponies, each adorned with oversized saddles and scarves, and features auspicious phrases meant to bring good fortune to visitors. As part of the celebrations for the Spring Festival, the sculpture will also receive new outfits, further enhancing its charm and significance during the Chinese New Year festivities.

Harbin’s Iconic Ice and Snow World

Harbin Ice and Snow World is one of the most prominent winter tourism destinations in China, attracting millions of tourists from around the world every year. Known for its elaborate and intricate ice and snow sculptures, the venue offers visitors a magical winter experience with larger-than-life ice structures and vibrant light displays that transform the city into a winter wonderland.

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is a key event during the Chinese New Year period, making it a prime travel destination for families, photographers, and tourists seeking to experience the beauty of ice art and enjoy winter activities. The festival features a range of snow and ice sculptures, which are meticulously designed and carved by local and international artists, highlighting China’s rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage.

A Stunning Tribute to the Horse in the Zodiac

The installation of “The Fairy Tale Pony Family” at the entrance to Harbin Ice and Snow World offers visitors a warm and festive welcome as they enter the world of ice and snow. The sculpture pays tribute to the Chinese zodiac year of the horse, which is set to begin in 2026. Horses have long been associated with strength, vitality, and fortune in Chinese culture, making them an ideal symbol for the Spring Festival, the most important holiday in China.

This year, the Chinese New Year celebrations will center around the zodiac animal of the horse, with various decorations, sculptures, and events dedicated to the theme. The snow sculpture is a reflection of this cultural tradition, symbolizing a sense of hope and good luck for the coming year. Visitors can expect to see other horse-related motifs throughout the festival, including horse-shaped ice carvings, lantern displays, and other artistic interpretations of the zodiac animal.

The Artistic and Cultural Significance of Snow Sculptures

Snow and ice sculptures are at the heart of Harbin’s winter tourism offerings, and each year, the Ice and Snow World transforms into an open-air art gallery. Artists from around the world gather to create masterpieces made entirely from ice, snow, and natural materials, creating intricate and often colossal designs. The “Fairy Tale Pony Family” sculpture adds a whimsical touch to the collection, appealing to families and children who are drawn to the playful and charming theme of the ponies.

The craftsmanship of the snow sculptures is an impressive display of both artistry and engineering, with sculptors using a combination of traditional techniques and modern tools to craft delicate details. The pony family sculpture will evolve over the course of the Spring Festival, as it is updated with new costumes and festive elements to celebrate the lunar new year. These updates provide visitors with new experiences throughout the festival period, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh to see.

Winter Tourism and Spring Festival in Harbin

Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival coincides with the Spring Festival, which is celebrated by millions of people across China. The timing of the festival makes it an especially popular time for families and tourists to visit Harbin. During this period, the city comes alive with vibrant celebrations, including traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and festive decorations. Visitors to the Ice and Snow World can also experience performances of traditional Chinese folk dances, enjoy hot beverages and snacks at the food stalls, and participate in winter activities such as sledding and snowboarding.

The city’s Winter Swimming Festival is another popular event that takes place alongside the Ice and Snow Festival. The Winter Swimming Festival features daring locals who take a dip in the freezing waters of the Songhua River, a thrilling spectacle for visitors seeking an authentic winter experience.

Harbin: A Winter Wonderland for Tourists

Harbin is one of China’s most unique winter destinations, offering tourists an unforgettable opportunity to explore the artistry and beauty of ice and snow in an environment that embraces both modern entertainment and traditional culture. Its annual Ice and Snow Festival continues to grow in prominence, drawing travelers from all over the world to witness the breathtaking beauty of snow sculptures and ice art in one of the coldest cities in China.

Visitors to Harbin can expect not only to marvel at stunning sculptures but also to enjoy a range of outdoor winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The city’s snow-covered landscapes provide an idyllic setting for photographers and nature lovers, while the local culture and cuisine offer an authentic Chinese winter experience.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Winter Experience in Harbin

The “Fairy Tale Pony Family” snow sculpture at Harbin Ice and Snow World is just one of the many highlights of the 2026 Spring Festival in Harbin. This year’s snow and ice sculptures promise to captivate visitors with their intricate design, cultural significance, and festive atmosphere. As Harbin continues to grow as a premier winter tourism destination, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the wonder of the Ice and Snow Festival, explore the artistic creations of international sculptors, and celebrate Chinese New Year in one of China’s most unique and charming cities.