Crystal-clear ice sculpture gates, giant slides, a peace-bringing bell tower, vivid snow sculptures of Sima Guang breaking the vat, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... On January 10, the largest "ice and snow Disneyland" — Altay’s Ninth Ice and Snow Folk Culture Park — opens to the public.
Located in Last Township, Altay City, the park covers an area of 100,000 square meters, with a total volume of 12,000 cubic meters of ice and snow works. It displays 90 ice sculptures and 34 snow sculptures, as well as 11 yurts and Mongolian tents showcasing the folk customs of the Kazakh and Mongolian ethnic groups. The park adopts a symmetrical central axis layout, emphasizing the visual impact of the central area while taking into account the stylistic features of each functional zone. It serves as a key venue for Altay’s ice and snow tourism events and is open to the public free of charge.
It is reported that this is one of the series of events for the Ninth “China · Xinjiang · Altay Ice and Snow Culture Tour,” aiming to present visitors with a fairytale-like ice and snow world, promote the rapid development of Altay’s winter tourism, make the ice and snow industry a new economic growth point for the city, and drive the growth of culture, sports, and other related sectors.
After the opening ceremony, visitors flooded into the park. They took photos in front of their favorite ice and snow sculptures; children happily climbed the giant ice slide, sliding down from the top, their screams and laughter filling the air as everyone immersed themselves in the joyful ice and snow world.
Li Qiang, the second-prize winner for his work “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity,” told reporters: “The park provides an opportunity to showcase ice sculpture art and adds luster to Altay. I’m very happy that my work can bring joy to everyone.”
Ma Guiyun, 57, pushed her 90-year-old mother, Ma Guilan, around the park in a small tricycle. This was Ma Guilan’s first time seeing ice and snow sculptures. To have enough time to appreciate all the works, they arrived at the ice and snow park two hours early.
Gulisha’s relatives also came from Burqin County and Fuhai County, making up a large family group of over 20 people who visited the park together. She said: “This ice sculpture exhibition is wonderful. I love the gate the most—it’s so beautiful. We specially brought the kids here to experience the charm of Altay.”
