Harbin Ice-Snow World introduces this year's mascots

Harbin Ice-Snow World Co unveiled two mascots at a signing ceremony for the 26th Harbin Ice and Snow World in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Sunday.

Bingbing and Xuexue represent Harbin's cultural heritage of ice and snow by incorporating ice and snow design elements and unique cultural symbols from the famous ice city.

Bingbing represents the natural ice from the Songhua River. He is bold and passionate and loves art and winter sports.

Xuexue is formed by the fusion of countless snowflakes, exuding a romantic charm. She is pure and agile, wearing a European-style hat and northern folk costumes, showing warmth and inclusivity.

At the ceremony, He Jing, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, awarded medals to Bingbing and Xuexue, granting them the title "Heilongjiang Province Ice and Snow Tourism Ambassador".

This winter, the mascots will welcome guests from afar to the Harbin Ice and Snow World.

Over 200 cultural and creative products designed around the characters were officially released at the event, including souvenirs, daily necessities, clothing, accessories, stationery, home decorations, digital peripherals, toys and intangible cultural heritage products.

The park is currently under construction. By the time it opens for its 26th consecutive year of operation, it will have been expanded from 810,000 to 1 million square meters.