On December 24th, the Harbin Ice Sculpture Art Exhibition kicked off in Moscow. At the scene, many visitors stopped to take pictures for the vivid icy carvings, such as the Harbin Grand Theater, the Flood Prevention Cenotaph in Harbin as well as the buildings of Moscow Red Square.
Ten ice sculptors of the exhibition arrived in Moscow in advance. They brought Moscow people with delicate New Year gifts themed around the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia and the “Belt and Road” Initiative.
Yan Honglei, head of the Publicity Department of Harbin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said at the opening ceremony that the ice and snow culture has a history of 57 years, So far, it is the 35th Harbin Ice Sculpture Art Exhibition that has won great popularity in the world. Moscow and Harbin are hoped to build a platform for ice and snow culture, thus further promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.
Wang Zhongxin, one of sculptors, said that the ice sculpture is a business card of Harbin. In view of the similarities of ice and snow art shared by China and Russia, more cultural events alike are expected to be held to enhance mutual learning and bring two peoples together.
“The exquisite ice sculptures have demonstrated Chinese people’s stunning craftsmanship.” said Vladislav, a citizen of Moscow.
The ice sculpture art exhibition will run through December 30th.