Xinjiang team shines at international snow sculpture competition

Contestants work on snow sculptures at the Sun Island scenic area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 8, 2024. The international snow sculpture competition in Harbin entered its third day on Monday.(Photo: Xinhua)

The Altay team from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region stood out at the 26th Harbin International Snow Sculpture Competition, clinching third prize with their mesmerizing creation titled Woman - Life, according to a report by the China News Service.

The four-day competition, held at the picturesque Sun Island scenic area in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, concluded on Tuesday, bringing together 29 teams from 12 countries, including Russia, Canada, Spain, South Korea, India and Mongolia.

More than 100 snow sculpture artists showcased their talents during the world's largest snow sculpture event. China sent five teams to participate, representing Harbin, Yingkou, Changchun, Altay and ­Shijiazhuang.

The Altay team's winning sculpture depicted the essence of womanhood, symbolizing the nurturing of life and the vibrant blossoming of existence. 

"With so many skilled participants in this competition, I didn't expect to win a prize. It's truly exhilarating," Yuan Wenyu, a member of the Altay team, told reporters.

The first prize went to a team from South Korea, whose artwork titled Intersection of Love and Technology, depicted the judges and spectators. 

The Harbin team secured second prize, highlighting the nation's prowess in the realm of snow sculpture art.

The Harbin International Snow Sculpture Competition has long been a renowned platform for artists worldwide, fostering cultural exchanges and showcasing the mastery of ice and snow artistry, according to the report.