Building snowman and making ice sculptures is a popular winter pastime in Harbin, especially for students from Datong Primary School in Daowai district.

It has been more than 10 years since students from Datong Primary School first began to participate in ice and snow activities.

Harbin Daily is now holding a contest for pupils to make ice sculptures, and students appear keen to take part.

In December every year, children will hand in self-made ice sculptures to their teachers, according to Liu Xiang, a teacher from Datong Primary School.

When it is cold enough, children start to make snow and ice sculptures, and they will take them to be displayed at school.

Whatever the quality of the work, the sculptures made by children are all displayed at an “Ice Scenery Park” opened in the playground at the school.

"The contest aims to encourage more students to take part in sculpture-making activities and promote an ice and snow culture," said Wang Yuxia, an official from the education bureau of Daowai district.

On Dec 26, Harbin Daily will publish details of all the sculptures handed in by students, and those with the best craftsmanship will win a prize.

A child stands next to his sculpture.[Photo/my399.com]

Several red carps made of ice [Photo/my399.com]