Frozen figures offer a sense of fun

A giant snowman greets travelers to Qunli Music Park in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. (LIU YANG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

During the winter season, various big snowmen scattered throughout Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang province, have gained a reputation from tourists at home and abroad.

From the classic figure at the Music Square and the family of snowmen at the 26th Harbin Ice and Snow World, to the giant snowman standing at the bank of the Songhua River and the diverse snowmen at Yanjiagang Farm, the people of Harbin have infused the lovable characters with even more imagination and innovation.

The Harbin Ice and Snow World has meticulously crafted a set of giant snow sculptures, called the Snowman Family, in front of its ticket sales hall, warmly welcoming visitors from all directions.

The towering snow father, the gentle snow mother and the adorable snow baby, cuddle each other with great affection.

The round bodies, round eyes and cute expressions make them seem incredibly endearing.

Their giant hats and scarves are made of specially customized materials, and they have been dressed in different styles according to different holiday periods.

In the Beidahuang Yanjiagang Ice and Snow Wonderland, two giant snowmen, and an assembled 800 smaller figures, have formed a "Snowman Legion".

The two giant snowmen — Jiabao and Yanbao — were created to incorporate elements of the Year of the Snake.

Standing at around 16 meters tall, they are wear snake-themed hats on their heads, have red noses, pink cheeks, bright eyes and are vividly lifelike.

The 800 snowmen have been divided into 10 formations.

Every snowman is 1.6 meters tall, with a maximum diameter of 1.5 meters.

They all have subtle differences — some have round noses, while others have pointed ones.

Visitors can even adopt them, naming the snowmen, determining their birthdays and leaving them messages. Each adopted snowman is given a unique nameplate that is maintained by the staff.