64 teams compete in Harbin international snow sculpture competition

The 17th International College Students Snow Sculpture Competition kicked off in Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang in northeast China on Saturday, drawing 64 teams from nine countries.

The competition, held at Harbin Engineering University, is part of the larger Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. It has become a dynamic platform for students worldwide to transform snow into intricate sculptures.

This year's event marks a historic milestone with a record 21 international teams, with the most overseas participants in its history.

Representing universities from China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Russia, and others, the teams are carving their sculptures on three-meter blocks of specially prepared artificial snow. Each team, consisting of four students, has three days to complete their work in chilly winter weathers.

Creating snow sculptures requires meticulous control over the snow's quality. To ensure consistency and avoid impurities in natural snow, organizers chose to use artificial snow blocks. The theme for this year's competition, "United in Heart and Dream, Building the Future Together," is reflected in the sculptures as each team brings their vision to life.

One piece from Beijing Institute of Technology features a Chinese knot symbolizing unity and harmony, blending images of dragon boat, high-speed trains, and fighter jets. The sculpture reflects the students' aspirations for global solidarity and a brighter future.

Harbin Engineering University's creation depicts a silver snake shedding its skin, symbolizing the joy and anticipation of the Year of the Snake.

A team from Thailand is sculpting two lions embracing, symbolizing the enduring friendship between two nations. As seasoned participants in the competition, the Thai team brings both technical expertise and artistic vision to their work, and even incorporates sand sculpting techniques into their snow sculptures, demonstrating their innovative approach and exceptional craftsmanship.

Since its inception, the competition has become a global gathering, with cumulatively more than 6,200 students from 187 universities worldwide taking part. Over 700 snow sculptures have been created, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the beauty of ice and snow.

After the competition, the sculptures will be open to public, allowing visitors to appreciate the international talent on display.

64 teams compete in Harbin international snow sculpture competition

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza Strip has risen to 50,423, with 114,638 injured, after nearly 18 months of Israeli military operations, Gaza health authorities said Wednesday.

Local medical sources noted that since the Israeli army resumed its operations on March 18, the number of fatalities has reached 1,066, while 2,597 have been injured.

In the past 24 hours alone, hospitals in Gaza received 24 fatalities and 55 injured. Many bodies remain trapped beneath the rubble, with ambulances and civil defense personnel struggling to reach them.

According to a report by the Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that it had carried out strikes on over 50 sites belonging to Hamas and other militant groups, ahead of a major ground push into the southern Gaza Strip. During the day, dozens more strikes were carried out across Gaza.

In addition, the IDF issued a statement on Wednesday night that it had intercepted two rockets launched from northern Gaza. Air raid sirens were activated in areas near the Gaza Strip, and local media said that there are no reports of injuries or damage in the attack. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to Palestinian media reports on Wednesday, the Israeli air force targeted a medical facility operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The head of Gaza-based health authorities reported on the same day that 19 people were killed in the attack.

The Israeli military stated on Wednesday that it had struck a Hamas command center in Jabalia.

On Wednesday night, Al Jazeera quoted relevant sources as saying that Hamas officials had received Israel's response to the ceasefire proposal, which had been put forward by mediators and accepted by Hamas. Based on this response, they concluded that Israel had rejected the proposal.

Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 50,423