HARBIN, CHINA – In an extraordinary cultural exchange, municipal leaders from across the globe gathered at Harbin’s renowned Ice and Snow World on Tuesday evening to participate in an immersive ice sculpture workshop. The event, part of the Global Mayors Dialogue initiative, transformed diplomatic representatives into temporary artisans as they carved the conference logo into blocks of ice using professional tools.
The participating delegation included mayors, deputy mayors, and official representatives from Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, and China. The specially designated ice sculpture zone provided these international visitors with a practical understanding of northeastern China’s winter cultural traditions.
Against the backdrop of Harbin’s spectacular ice architecture, the leaders received hands-on instruction in ice carving techniques, wielding specialized shovels under the guidance of local masters. This interactive session offered more than mere observation – it created a profound connection to the region’s artistic heritage and the skilled craftspeople who maintain these frozen art forms.
The initiative represents a significant step in cultural diplomacy, using Harbin’s subzero temperatures as an asset for international relationship building. Rather than conventional conference activities, the ice carving workshop provided a memorable, tactile experience that demonstrated China’s commitment to sharing its cultural wealth with global partners.
This unconventional diplomatic engagement occurred as temperatures plunged in Heilongjiang province, where Harbin has established itself as a premier destination for winter tourism and cultural exchange. The event successfully blended political dialogue with cultural immersion, creating a unique platform for cross-cultural understanding through shared artistic experience.