Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is staging an ice sculpture exhibition during the hot summer to offer visitors a unique cross-seasonal experience.
In recent days, the average afternoon temperature in Harbin, the province's capital, has been around 31 degrees Celsius. However, inside the ice pavilion, sculptors are wearing down jackets to create a winter wonderland for visitors.
Located within Harbin Ice-Snow World, the pavilion spans a total area of 23,000 square meters and features thousands of ice sculptures.
The facility, completed in July 2024, began its upgrades on Jan 30 this year and promises a unique ice-and-snow tourism experience for visitors all year round.
Hou Weidong is one of the ice sculptors who participated in the whole upgrade process.
"We used natural ice from the Songhua River. When the outdoor ice-snow world was closed in February, this venue opened at the same time. More than 2,000 people were mobilized to build the venue, and 200 people were dedicated to ice sculpting," said Hou.
Hou said ice sculptors also regularly update some of the ice sculptures in the venue and repair the missing or damaged ones.
"Now, we are making some ice-sculpted domestic landmarks, such as the Ruins of St. Paul's in Macao and the Chinese character of 'Shenzhen', and they will be added to the exhibition area one after another," he said.
Large-scale ice sculpture projects often require teams to work around the clock. The completed work can only last for a few months, as ice will slowly sublime even in a constant temperature environment, which makes each piece even more precious, according to Hou.
Many of the ice sculptors are students of Harbin Normal University. They learn ice carving techniques from experienced workers and hope to showcase the local characteristics to more visitors.
"I hope to inherit and develop the ice and snow culture of my hometown, and allow more tourists to better experience our ice and snow culture," said Zhang Xu, a graduate student of sculpture at Harbin Normal University.
Northeast China's Harbin City stages ice sculpture exhibition in summer
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
