'Build a snowman for Harbin,' foster friendships around globe

 Winter sports enthusiasts, international media, students and volunteers and crowds of local participants gathered at the Sun Island on Tuesday for an onsite snowman-building social campaign in Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

 Six teams used materials available on-site to decorate their snowmen, showcasing unique creativity and different cultural characteristics.

 The 9th Asian Winter Games held in Harbin have garnered global attention. To celebrate and promote the games, a global online social campaign – Building a Big Snowman for Harbin 2025 – was jointly launched by CGTN, the Heilongjiang Bureau of China Media Group and the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organizing Committee.

 Participants stand next to their snowman at Sun Island in Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, February 11. 2025. /CGTN

 Once launched, the campaign quickly sparked enthusiasm among global netizens. People eagerly responded by using materials within reach, showcasing boundless creativity to build unique and imaginative snowmen, cheering for the Asian Winter Games and Harbin.

 At the Sun Island, the event kicked off with a review of videos showing a variety of snowmen made by contributors worldwide. Paper cups, rice balls and coffee are some of the example materials to build a "snowman."