Snow sculpture by NE China farmer draws fans to army veteran's yard

Hao Jijiu is busy these days receiving neighbors' visits as they come to view the massive snow sculpture he created in his yard in Beitu village of Wuchang city, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province.

The 73-year-old farmer spent 10 days creating the snow sculpture – an airplane measuring 12 meters long and one meter high - after heavy snow fell in the city.

Hao retired from the army in 1973 and his four years there in engineering helped him mature his construction skills.

In recent years, he has created various snow sculptures, including tanks, cars and rockets.

At the request of his three grandchildren, he began to make the huge airplane after the first heavy snowfall.

With the help of his wife, Hao spent about six hours each day on his creation and finally finished the snow sculpture after 10 days of hard work.

The snow sculpture brought great joy to his grandchildren and also drew his neighbors, who wanted to take photos with it.

Hao's snow sculpting efforts are far from over. He's already talking about his piece.

"I plan to create a new snow sculpture based on the CNS Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, 15 meters long and nine meters wide," he said.