Winter ❄️ in Harbin, in Heilongjiang province on the Chinese mainland, has gone high-tech this year. In early January 2026, the Harbin Ice and Snow Expo—running alongside the Global Mayors Dialogue—unveiled a new frontier: tech-powered winter magic.
Snowy Sculptures 2.0
Gone are the days of simple ice carvings. This year, 3D printers are churning out intricate ice sculptures with millimeter precision. Local artists team up with engineers to turn digital designs into frozen masterpieces—like a giant snow dragon illuminated by programmable LED lights.
AR Tours & Smart Sleds
Strap on AR glasses and watch Harbin’s ice festival heritage come alive on the frozen walkways. Meanwhile, smart sleds track speed, altitude and route, letting adventurers challenge friends on live leaderboards. Talk about a winter glow-up! 🚀
IoT Keeps it Cool
Temperature sensors and AI-driven cooling systems ensure the ice stays solid even when the sun peeks through. Organizers report these tech tools cut energy use by up to 30%. Eco-friendly winter? Yes, please!
Global Mayors Weigh In
Mayors from cities around the world are swapping ideas on smart city tech at the Global Mayors Dialogue. Many agree that Harbin’s innovations could inspire interactive snowy streets everywhere.
Whether you’re a tech nerd, a winter sports fan or just someone who loves a bit of sparkle in the snow, Harbin is showing how innovation can transform seasonal fun. Gear up, grab your gloves and step into the tech side of winter!
Reference(s):
Hot Take: Winter, powered by tech at the Harbin Ice and Snow Expo
cgtn.com
