Chinese ice sculptures displayed in Moscow

Russian residents take photos of lanterns from Zigong, southwest China’s Sichuan province. (Photo/Zhang Xiaodong)

An ice sculpture exhibition from Harbin opened at a park in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 24, 2019. The 10 sculptures were created by Chinese artists featuring themes such as the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations and the Belt and Road Initiative. The exhibition will run until Dec.30.

Officials from Russia and China, representatives of enterprises, journalists and local residents took part in the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Fan Xianrong, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, said the exhibition, the first of its kind ever held in Moscow, Russia, is a New Year’s gift to residents of Moscow, adding that it will deepen China-Russia people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Yury Tavrovsky, a sinologist and a professor at the Russian People's Relationship University who was present at the opening ceremony, said excitedly that the sculptures have triggered his curiosity about Harbin, a city he hasn’t been to but wants to visit in the future.

On Dec. 4, a lantern festival opened at the park, featuring 4,500 colorful lanterns from Zigong, southwest China’s Sichuan province. The show will run until Feb. 23, 2020.