Snow lovers, get ready for frosty inspiration! The 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest kicked off on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Harbin Engineering University in Heilongjiang Province on the Chinese mainland.
This year, 46 university teams from across China and around the world braved Harbin’s icy winds to turn giant blocks of snow into eye-catching sculptures. From intricate animal designs to modern art installations, students are carving out a storm—and friendly rivalries are heating up! ⛄️❄️
First held in 2009, this annual contest has become a winter must-do for budding snow artists and engineers. It’s not just about the final masterpiece: participants plan, sculpt, and refine their creations on-site, learning crucial skills in design, teamwork, and problem-solving as they go.
Whether you’re here to admire the coolest campus art fair or to soak up Harbin’s legendary winter scene, the contest proves that great ideas can blossom—even in the coldest conditions. Stay tuned for updates on standout sculptures and behind-the-scenes highlights! 📸✨
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University students gather in Harbin for annual snow sculpture contest
cgtn.com
