Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Jia Chunxia) news: On January 29, 2026, in Urumqi High-tech Industrial Development Zone (New Urban District), Niu Guojun, a master of Xinjiang's arts and crafts, was carefully sculpting a huge block of snow with a shovel. As snow chips flew around, a charmingly "heavenly horse" emerged. Niu explained, "This piece is called 'A Steed Treading on Auspicious Clouds,' created for the upcoming Year of the Year of Horse. I hope it brings good fortune and happiness to everyone in the city."

Photo taken on January 29, 2026 shows Niu Guojun creates a snow sculpture work. (Photo offered by Niu Guojun)

Ice and snow carving is often described as "the art of subtraction." Using carving knives like brushes and shovels as tools, artists shape ice and snow into countless forms by gradually cutting and sculpting. In recent years, areas across Xinjiang have focused on blending culture with tourism, deepening their connection across wider regions and at higher levels through ice and snow tourism. Ice and snow sculptures now serve as a vibrant bridge between natural beauty and cultural richness. They combine folk traditions, historical stories, and modern creativity, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning ice and snow displays while experiencing the unique appeal of Xinjiang's diverse ethnic cultures.

"Xinjiang has abundant ice and snow resources. When I first saw snow and ice carving, I was instantly drawn to this distinctive art form," said Niu. Over the past two decades, he has created an average of over 50 ice and snow sculptures each winter. His works appear in parks, along streets, at hotel entrances, and in community squares, adding dynamic beauty to the urban winter landscape.

Like other forms of sculpture, snow carving demands precision. Niu follows a careful process: first, he uses a long shovel to clear loose surface snow, then a short shovel to sketch the outline, and finally carving knives for fine details. "The pressure applied in snow carving must be just right, and often the work has to be finished in one go, with little chance for redoing," he explained. "Before each cut, I think it through carefully. Only when I'm sure do I make the move."

Photo shows the award-winning ice sculpture works of Niu Guojun's team. (Photo offered by Niu Guojun)

Ice carving is also one of Niu Guojun's specialties. A memorable experience for him was in early January this year, when he formed a team with Du Shiqing and Janat Aheihat to represent Xinjiang at the 45th National Professional Ice Sculpture Competition and the 2026 Third Ice and Snow Sculpture Masters Competition in Harbin. Their two entries won a silver award and a second prize respectively, bringing honor to Xinjiang's ice and snow art.

One work of him was inspired by the classical theme Bai Niao Chao Feng (Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix), integrating traditional culture into modern sculpture. The slender beaks, layered feathers, and flowing tails of the birds, carved out of sparkling ice, conveyed a lively dynamism as if they might take flight at any moment. The other piece demonstrated even greater ingenuity: with an eggshell base symbolizing the origin of life, a pair of peacocks spread their wings above it. Inside the eggshell, two little birds sang cheerfully, evoking reflections on ecological harmony.

Photo shows Niu Guojun attends the closing ceremony and award ceremony of the 45th National Professional Ice Sculpture Competition. (Photo by Niu Guojun)

Creating ice and snow sculptures means working outdoors, where the cold is the biggest challenge. "It was particularly freezing during the competition. Our hands went numb, but our team worked together smoothly, spending about ten hours outside each day," Niu recalled. He explained that ice and snow carving require different approaches: snow carving emphasizes structure and surface texture, while ice carving focuses more on clear design and dynamic shapes. During the process, they start by drawing the outline on the ice, then carve away the extra material and hollow out the inside. The next day, they polish the details, aiming to make every line flow naturally and every feature come to life.

Coming back with awards from their first competition not only recognized their skill but also let the team learn from other artists, both in China and abroad. This exchange has given them fresh ideas for future projects. Niu shared that he hopes to create more works inspired by Xinjiang, so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of ice and snow art while also experiencing the unique spirit and lively charm of this region.

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