Chinese sculptures amaze visitors at Markham Ice and Snow Festival in Canada

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented artists to Markham and we thank them for creating mesmerizing works of art,” said Frank Scarpitti, mayor of the Canadian city of Markham.

Markham launched its first ever Markham Ice and Snow Festival on Saturday night, which features dozens of ice sculptures made by Chinese and Canadian artists.

The 10-day event allows visitors to walk through an outdoor maze carved entirely from ice at the Markham Civic Centre, and take in the stunning display of intricate, handcarved ice sculptures. Ten Chinese artists from Harbin have made ice sculptures with the theme of A Romance of Ice and Snow.

A visitor from Montreal said: “It is gorgeous! Amazing! I think it is one of the greatest winter festivals in the Greater Toronto Area and around the world.”

“This inaugural festival speaks to our friendship with communities across China. Markham is a global destination for arts and culture, and our strong diversity is on full display in this winter wonderland,” the mayor told the Xinhua News Agency.

With 46 percent of its residents of Chinese descent, Markham has close sister ties with many Chinese cities.

The Markham Ice and Snow Festival, presented jointly by the city governments of Markham and China’s Harbin, was inspired by the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which is known around the world for its stunning display of ice sculptures.

“The festival provides a platform for Chinese and Canadian artists to display their works, make exchanges and further promote the friendship between Markham and Harbin,” Zhu Xiaodong, one of the 10 Chinese artists, said.