LEADIN

Ice sculptors from around the world have come together in Harbin to showcase their talents with elaborate and detailed icy designs.

Competitors in the international ice sculpture competition are given just three days to complete their creations before being judged.

STORYLINE

In freezing conditions, these ice sculptors are racing against the clock to create and shape their designs.

They're competing in the Harbin international ice sculpting competition involving nearly 70 competitors from around 14 countries.

This event requires entrants to carve their design from a single two-metre-squared block, taken from the nearby Songhua river.

Carving began on Saturday (Jan 6) and competitors have until Monday to finish their work before judging commences.

Among the artists is David Diatta from France. He is sculpting "Aladdin and the Lamp".

He says ice, just Aladdin's magical lamp, can be turned into anything.

"I like ice, because it's a special material. You have many possibilities with ice for carving." says Diatta.

Working in temperatures of around minus 10 degrees, the artists plan and design their work using sketches before embarking on a laborious carving process.

Much of Harbin has been turned into a colourful outdoor gallery as part of the world's largest ice festival.

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which opened on Friday and runs through until late February, is expected to attract around 18 million visitors.

Various competitions celebrating snow and ice take place over several weeks.

The multiple ice block carving competition - involving more intricate creations - attracted 13 teams from six countries.

Juhani Lillberg, the chief judge of the competition since it was established nine years ago, has been involved in ice and snow sculpting for almost four decades.

He says while the art has a long history, more high quality sculptures are being seen because of new technology advances.

"One important thing is of course (that) the tools are better. And another big development is lightening. Because of the new lightening techniques, it's possible to make different kinds of things," says Lillberg.

This year's first prize for the multiple block sculpting was won by team Amursk from Russia. Their work "The Birth of the World" tells the story of two dragons.

One of the team members Ilia Tekin, still a student of sculpting, says he enjoys the process of presenting a story with a multiplicity of details.

"We first split the ice block into different areas and started carving outlines. Then we dealt with details. This is my favourite part. We tried to make it perfect based on the original shape," he says.

Hours of work went into creating the design by Han Zhenkun and his team called "The Silk Road."

It is based on the historic Silk Road and blends a mix of Chinese ancient potteries with camels. It won the third prize.

Han teaches at the Harbin Institute of Technology and encourages his students to join International ice sculpting events.

He says technical development is changing ice sculpting for the better.

"In the previous international ice sculpture competitions, Chinese teams didn't have efficient tools. We used hand tools while sculptors from Europe and other countries used electric tools. Now we have electric chainsaws, moulding equipment, and sharp knives. We even have customised knives. We use the same tools as foreign artists. It's a fair competition. The success depends on skills and creativities."

Extreme care is taken to add minute details to each work, which can involve hundreds of pieces of ice.

The multiple block ice competition was judged on January 4.

Harbin, China - 6 January, 2018

1. Wide of single-block ice sculpture competition

2. Various of sculptor David Diatta carving

3. Close of sketch

4. Close of David Diatta

5. SOUNDBITE (English) David Diatta, ice sculptor:

"I like ice, because it's a special material. You have many possibilities with ice for carving."

6. Various of man sculpting single block of ice

7. Close of man carving ice detail

8. Close of man's face as he carves

9 . Backshot of ice sculpting

++NIGHT SHOTS++

10. Exhibition of Harbin International Ice Sculpture Competition works

11. Various of ice sculptures

12. Wide of tourists taking photos

13.Various of multiple block sculpture from Russian team Amursk called "The Birth of the world"

Harbin, China - 4 January, 2018

14. Wide of multiple block sculpting competition

15. Various of sculpting

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Juhani Lillberg, judge of Harbin International Ice Sculpture Competition:

"We have a long history, but especially during some (recent) years, we have seen a lot of development in ice sculpting and ice building also. One important thing is of course that the tools are better. And another big development is lighting. Because of the new lighting techniques, it's possible to make different kinds of things."

17 . Various of winning multiple block sculpture by Russian team, Amursk, called "The Birth of the World"

18. Wide of Russian team in front of sculpture

19. Close of Ilya Tyokin, member of team Amursk

20. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Ilia Tekin, ice sculptor from team Amursk:

"We first split the ice block into different areas and started carving outlines. Then we dealt with the details. This is my favourite part. We tried to make it perfect based on the original shape."

21. Pan of ice sculpting

22. Various of sculptor carving on an ice bowl

23. Various of sculptor Han Zhenkun sculpting

24. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Han Zhenkun, ice sculptor:

"In the previous international ice sculpture competitions, Chinese teams didn't have efficient tools. We used hand tools while sculptors from Europe and other countries used electric tools. Now we have electric chainsaws, moulding equipment, and sharp knives. We even have customised knives. We use the same tools as foreign artists. It's a fair competition. The success depends on skills and creativities."

25. Various of Chinese team's work "The Silk Road"

26. Various of sculptor fixing ice chain loop

++RESENDING WITH CORRECTED DATELINE, CHANGING TO 2020++

CHINA HARBIN ICE SCULPTURE

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

RESTRICTIONS: AP Clients Only

LENGTH: 6.02

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

1. Various aerial shots of Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

2. Various of aerial shots of Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition area++MUTE++

3. Various of Ice Sculpture Competition area

4. Close of ice block

5. American ice sculptor Roger Wing cutting ice block

6. Close of chainsaw cutting ice

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Roger Wing, American ice sculptor

"It's incredible ice culture. It's been a dream of mine for more than twenty years to come to Harbin. And to see it is even more unbelievable in person."

8. Various of Wing flattening ice

9. Various of Wing's partner Anssi Kuosa carving ice

10. Various of Wing polishing ice with iron

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Roger Wing, American ice sculptor:

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it was very difficult to create human anatomy, human faces, human hands. Only one or two artists were very good at this twenty years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

12. Clay sculpture with sketch next to it

13. Close of clay sculpture of a flying apsaras

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

14. Various of Chinese sculptor Zhu Rui carving ice

15. Various of Chinese sculptor Wang Songyin carving ice

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Zhu Rui, Chinese sculptor:

"The biggest challenges are the connection of human body parts, the shape of each part and their relationship, the texture of skin and clothes details. (It's difficult) to find the balance point between power and beauty."

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

17. Wide of two sculptors carving ice

18. Sculptor pushing off a piece of ice

19. Various of South Korean sculptor carving ice

20. Various of Serbian sculptor carving ice

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

21. Wide of clay sculpture and Russian sculptors

22. Russian sculptor carving ice

23. Russian sculptors talking

24. Close of drill

25. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Luibov Polina, Russian sculptor

"Ice is a beautiful material. We can create beauty with ice. I like ice carving also because my husband is a professional ice sculptor."

26. Various of Russian sculptors carving and polishing

27. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vadim Polin, Russian sculptor

"Our work is a Chinese dragon and a Russian girl. It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together."

28. Wide of snow and ice sculpture

29. Mid of ice bear

30. Various of Mongolian sculptors

31. Various of ice sculpture made by Mongolian team

32. Various of Chinese sculptors melting and rounding ice ball

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

33. Various of Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition

LEADIN:

In the freezing conditions of north east China, ice sculptors have been racing against the clock to create and shape their designs.

They're been competing in the Harbin international ice sculpting competition involving 60 sculptors from countries around the world.

STORYLINE:

In the dark depths of winter in the northernmost province of China, the hum of chainsaws, drills, and grinders can be heard.

Here, ice artists from around the world are braving some of the coldest temperatures to compete in the 34th Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition in Harbin.

Carving began on Monday (Jan 6 2020) and competitors had until yesterday to finish their work before judging.

This year, 60 ice carvers from China, the US, Russia, and other countries are taking part.

This event requires entrants to carve their design from ice blocks taken from Songhua River, a major branch in Heilongjiang Province.

Located on the border between China and Russia, Heilongjiang has an average temperature of -15 Celsius during its long winter and is famous among sculptors for the purity of its ice.

"It's incredible ice culture. It's been a dream of mine for more than twenty years to come to Harbin. And to see it is even more unbelievable in person," explains Roger Wing, an ice and wood sculptor from the US.

This is Wing's first time taking part in the Harbin Ice sculpture competition and he has teamed up with Finnish artist, Anssi Kuosa.

In their artwork they hope to convey the philosophical idea of beauty and age: a witch looking into a magical mirror seeing a beautiful face.  

Wing flattens the ice block with a nail plate then irons it to create a transparent effect.

He thinks ice is the best material to tell the story, because it has very similar qualities as glass.

Being in the industry for over twenty years, Wing has first hand experience of how carving tools and techniques have improved greatly.

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it was very difficult to create human faces, human hands. Only one or two artists were very good at this twenty years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

Chinese sculptor, Zhu Rui, and his partner initially began ice carving as a hobby but went professional five years ago.

And today they are creating a flying apsaras flying around the moon - influenced by Chinese dance and culture.

The flying apsaras are believed to be the images of beautiful heavenly gods based on frescos in northwestern China's Dunhuang.

They are often depicted as elegant females dancing or playing instruments.

"The biggest challenges are the connection of human body parts, the shape of each part and their relationship, the texture of skin and clothes details. (It's difficult) to find the balance point between power and beauty," explains Zhu.

Zhu has titled the sculpture: "The moon in my home village is exceptionally brighter". The moon is considered a symbol of family reunion in Chinese tradition.

And for Russian couple Vadim Polin and Luibov Polina their reasons for being at Harbin goes beyond ice.

"Ice is a beautiful material. We can create beauty with ice. I like ice carving also because my husband is a professional ice sculptor," says Luibov Polina.

Together they are caving a Russian girl being lift up by a Chinese dragon.

"It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together," explains Vadim Polin.

Extreme care is taken to add minute details to each work, which can involve hundreds of pieces of ice.

After being judged, they will be on display at the Harbin Ice and Snow Park for two months.

(CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: THIS STORY FIRST RAN 7 JANUARY 2020. )

====

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

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++RESENDING WITH CORRECTED DATELINE TO 2020++

CHINA HARBIN ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

RESTRICTIONS: AP Clients Only

LENGTH: 7:40

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP Clients Only

Harbin, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Wide aerial of fireworks at Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

2. Tilt down from fireworks to ice sculptures

3. Wide of fireworks in sky above crowds and ice sculptures

4. Aerial tilt from ice sculptures to fireworks ++MUTE++

5. Fireworks erupting in night sky

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP Clients Only

Harbin, China – 4 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

6. Pan of tour bus to ice sculptures

7. Wide of ice sculpture of train

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP Clients Only

Harbin, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

8. Mid of crowds milling around train-like transport vehicle

9. Wide of crowds and ice sculpture

10. Mid of people walking up ice stairs onto sculpture

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP Clients Only

Harbin, China – 4 January 2020

++DAY SHOTS++

11. Wide of tourists taking photos in front of snow sculpture of Year of Rats,"2020 Spring"

12. Mid of snow sculptures of rats

13. Mid of snow sculpture of rat giving thumbs up

14. Wide of snow sculpture of thermometer

15. Close of thermometer showing temperature as -15 degrees Celsius (5 Fahrenheit)

16. Various of workers sculpting and carving snow

17. Pull focus from snow sculpture of woman's face to red lanterns and snow sculpture of phoenix

18. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Chen, Tourist from Shanghai:

"(At first) I thought it was boring to see the sculptures. (But) once I am here and become part of the environment, I feel different. The frigid weather and the snow only enhance the beauty of each one at this moment."

19. Various of couple taking selfies with snowman

20. Various of snowman and snow sculpture of phoenix

21. Various of tourists taking photos in front of snow sculptures along Harbin Central Avenue

22. Close of snow sculpture

23. Wide of tourists walking past ice sculpture on street

24. Various of ice sculpture of swan

25. Various of ice sculpture of train

26. Wide of main ice sculpture in Harbin Ice and Snow Park

27. Mid of main ice sculpture with snow sculpture of bodhisattva in background

28. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Xiaoyu, Harbin Ice and Snow Park Designer:

"One of our design ideas this year is "traditional inheritance". You can see the elements of Western classical architectures were blended into our design. In the meantime, we have ice and snow entertainment facilities in the ice castles like slides, mazes (and) bikes."

29. Wide of slides behind ice wall, sign and flags

30. Tracking shot of man sliding

31. Wide of slides

32. Mid of tourists passing through ice archway

33. Mid of woman posing for photo in ice sculpture

34. Wide of tourists ringing giant bell on ice platform

35. Wide of ice castle against backdrop of sunset

36. Various of tourists riding bikes on ice and snow track

++NIGHT SHOTS++

37. Wide of illuminated ice sculptures and moon

38. Wide of tour bus and tourists on foot passing ice blocks and ice sculptures

39. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Xiaoyu, Harbin Ice and Snow Park Designer:

"Since 2015, we have started using LED strip lights. The advantage of strip lights is the light is softer and not very dazzling. And it makes the whole piece of ice block bloom. This is an effect that traditional light bulbs cannot make."

40. Wide of ice palace

41. Wide of people milling around in front of ice castle lit in yellow and blue

42. Wide of tourists riding bikes on ice and passing ice castle

43. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Xiaoyu, Harbin Ice and Snow Park Designer: ++DAY SHOT++

"The lights in each ice sculpture change together with tourists' interactions. For example, it changes with the rhythm of a bell ringing, and with music. Also, the ice sculptures in one area echo with each other to create a general effect."

++NIGHT SHOTS++

44. Various of changing lights inside ice blocks

45. Tracking shot of tourist walking through ice sculpture

46. Wide of ice park

47. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Bailing, Tourist from Hebei Province:

"Here is a very famous tourist site in winter. I came with my parents. My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I want to show my parents what it looks like. After I came, I realized the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave. Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much."

48. Pan left from tour bus to ice sculpture of train

49. Various of ice sculpture of train

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP Clients Only

Harbin, China – 5 January 2020

50. Various aerials of Harbin Ice and Snow sculptures ++MUTE++

LEADIN:

In China's northernmost province, a glittering winter wonderland built of ice and snow and sprawling across four enormous sites has been unveiled to thousands of delighted visitors and locals.

Each year, millions flock to Harbin to take in the annual spectacle, and the city's Ice and Snow Festival is now in its 36th year.

STORYLINE:

In the dark depths of winter in the northernmost province of China, a riot of fireworks and twinkling lights sparkle in the night sky.

Here, thousands are braving some of the coldest temperatures in China to experience an annual display that glitters and shimmers.

And it's all the more awesome when you learn how it's made: this extraordinary spectacle is built entirely of snow and ice.

The 2020 Harbin Snow and Ice Festival officially opened this weekend.

The event - in its 36th year - attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The festival sprawls across four sites, with the largest two the Sun Island Snow Park, and the Harbin Ice and Snow Park, both near the banks of north-eastern China's mighty Songhua River.

This year, the Sun Island Snow Park covers an area of 600,000 square metres.

110,000 cubic meters of snow has been used to build and hand-carve these structures.

In the main, the artists work outside, in temperatures that rarely rise above -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit).

Here in the Snow Park, the sculptures - made from packed snow - tell a uniquely Chinese story.

There are rats - some giving the thumbs up sign - to mark the start of the Year of the Rat on the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

There's also a phoenix, carved from the snow: in Chinese culture, the phoenix symbolises femininity and grace.

It's displays like these that are winning over even the most cynical of visitors, like Chen Chen, who has travelled here from the much milder climes of Shanghai.

"(At first) I thought it was boring to see the sculptures. (But) once I am here and become part of the environment, I feel different. The frigid weather and the snow only enhances the beauty of each one at this moment," he says.

With its famously long, cold winters and its short cool summers, Harbin is known throughout China for its ice and snow.

Here on the city's Central Avenue, a shopping area famous for its Russian-style architecture, locals and tourists can admire ice and snow sculptures every few metres.

And it doesn't all come together overnight.

At the beginning of every December, local workers start the painstaking work of preparing the Harbin Ice and Snow Park.

They cut into the frozen Songhua River, and drag and haul large chunks of ice which are then shaped into all manner of structures, from castles to slides.

Wang Xiaoyu has worked for five years as a landscape designer at the Park.

This year, executing her vision took 360 hours, with 10,000 workers required for the job.

"One of our design ideas this year is "traditional inheritance"," she explains.

"You can see the elements of Western classical architectures were blended into our design. In the meantime, we have ice and snow entertainment facilities in the ice castles like slides, mazes (and) bikes."

Many of the attractions this year provide fun for visitors of all ages and interests.

Across the festival's locations, there are more than 20 games and activities on offer.

Adults and children are loving the ice slides.

There are also bikes of different sizes, that can be safely ridden on the packed snow and ice.

A key part of the spectacle as the daylight dims is the light display: for the past five years, Wang and her team have been using LED strip lights, which Wang says makes things softer.

"It makes the whole piece of ice block bloom. This is an effect that traditional light bulbs cannot make," she says.

And as the tourists cycle and walk their way around the park, their interactions with the displays have an effect too, Wang explains.

"The lights in each ice sculpture change together with tourists' interactions. For example, it changes with the rhythm of a bell ringing, and with music. Also, the ice sculptures in one area echo with each other to create a general effect," she says.

The glittering, icy spectacle is known throughout China, with families, couples, groups of friends and singles travelling here from far and wide.

Chen Bailing is here with her parents from Hebei province, in central China.

"My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I want to show my parents how it looks like. After I came, I realized the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave. Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much," she says.

The ice festival was first held here in 1985.

This year, the event also includes competitions like ice swimming, skiing, and even a triathlon.

But for most visitors, it's vistas like this one that keep them returning.

====

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

LEAD IN:

The Harbin Snow and Ice Festival draws millions to China's icy north from all over the world to marvel at glittering towers and sculptures built entirely of ice and snow.

Now in its 36th year, the annual event includes ice sculpting, a swimming race across frozen water, and even a mass wedding - and it's proving more popular than ever.

STORY-LINE:

In the dark depths of winter in the northernmost province of China, a riot of fireworks and twinkling lights sparkle in the night sky.

Here, thousands brave temperatures that hover around -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) to experience an annual display that glitters and shimmers.

And it's all the more awesome when you learn how these structures are made: this extraordinary spectacle is built entirely of snow and ice.

The 2020 Harbin Snow and Ice Festival runs through until February.

The event - in its 36th year - attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The festival sprawls across four sites, with the largest two the Sun Island Snow Park, and the Harbin Ice and Snow Park, both near the banks of the mighty Songhua River.

This year, the Sun Island Snow Park covers an area of 600,000 square metres.

One of the key drawcards of the festival is the annual ice sculpting event, which this year attracted 60 sculptors from all over the world.

In the days leading up to the judging, the frosty northern air is full of the hum of chainsaws, drills and grinders.

Carving began at the start of the week (Monday 6 January 2020), and the sculptors had to be done by Wednesday (8 January 2020).

This event requires that entrants carve their designs from ice blocks taken from Songhua River.

Roger Wing is an ice and wood sculptor and competitor here, hailing from the US.

With his sculpture - a collaboration with Finnish artist Anssi Kuosa - he is exploring ideas of beauty and age: a witch looking into a magical mirror, seeing a beautiful face.  

He flattens the ice block with a nail plate before ironing it to create a transparent effect.

With 20 years of experience sculpting, Wing has first-hand experience of how carving tools and techniques have improved.

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it's very difficult to create human anatomy, human faces, human hands," he says.

"Only one or two artists were very good at it 20 years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

Chinese sculptor, Zhu Rui, and his partner initially began ice carving as a hobby but went professional five years ago.

Here at Harbin they are creating an apsaras flying around the moon - influenced by Chinese dance and culture.

Chinese sculptor Wang Songyin is working with a variety of implements to create his vision.

Getting the angle right for this pointed detail is a painstaking process.

Here, Russian couple Vadim Polin and Luibov Polina are carving a Russian girl being lifted up by a Chinese dragon.

For them, the work is a tribute to the long history of relations between Russia and China.

"Our work is a Chinese dragon and a Russian girl. It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together," says Vadim Polin.

Across the sculpting area here, extreme care is being taken to add minute details to each work, which can involve hundreds of pieces of ice.

With the judging over, the works will stay on display here for two months.

Beside the Songhua River, competitors here are taking a plunge of a different sort at the annual ice swimming event.

Believe it or not, it's warmer in this ice-cold swimming pool than in the frigid air outside.

Crowds have gathered to provide support, as timekeepers carefully record the swimmers' performances.

The pool here is carved from the ice of the Songhua River.

All told about 200 swimmers from 42 teams are competing.

They hail from all over China, as well as some from Russia and the United States.

The swimmers are divided into groups, by sex and age.

There are events for the young, the middle-aged, and the old.

"It is really exciting! I hope more people can join us for ice swimming," says local swimmer Bai Ling.

"Ice swimming is cool! The more we swim the younger we become!" says her fellow competitor, local Zhang Xiaofeng.

As the swimmers make their hurried way to the finish line, the air temperature outside is a body-numbingly cold -15 Celsius (5 Fahrenheit).

That can make getting out of the pool a struggle, but thankfully friends or family are usually on hand to give the competitors some warmth once out of the water.

There's warmth aplenty further down the riverbank at the annual Harbin mass wedding.

This year, 43 couples are declaring their love and commitment to each other, parading along the riverfront promenade to the main stage.

Today it's -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), so bridal gowns and suits are covered in warm winter jackets.

The couples have come from around China to share their special day, but not all are getting married for the first time.

Wang Shurong and her groom Wei Shuqi have come from a remote village in Heilongjiang province, and were invited here to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary.

"The old days was difficult. It was not easy for most to wear a wedding dress. Life was hard. No one could get married in such a big occasion. We are very grateful and honoured," says Wang Shurong.

In unison, the couples recite their wedding vows, and exchange rings.

They promise to love their country, care for their parents and love each other for the rest of their lives.

In the Sun Island Snow Park this year, 110,000 cubic meters of snow has been used to build and hand-carve the structures that loom here in the icy cold sky.

At the beginning of every December, local workers start the painstaking work of preparing the site.

This year, executing the vision took 360 hours, with 10,000 workers required for the job.

Many of the attractions this year provide fun for visitors of all ages and interests, and across the festival's locations, there are more than 20 games and activities on offer.

The glittering, icy spectacle is known throughout China, with families, couples, groups of friends and singles travelling here from far and wide.

Chen Bailing is here with her parents from Hebei province, in central China.

"Here is a very famous tourist site in winter. I came with my parents. My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I wanted to show my parents what it looks like. After I came, I realised the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave! Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much, "she says.

The ice festival was first held in Harbin in 1985.

While events like the ice sculpting, the ice swimming and the mass weddings lure people in, it's stunning sights like this that keep them coming back.

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Wide aerial of fireworks at Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

2. Tilt down from fireworks to ice sculptures

3. Wide of fireworks in sky above crowds and ice sculptures

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 4 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

4. Pan of train touring ice and snow sculptures

5. Wide of ice sculpture of train

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

6. Wide of crowds milling around train-like touring vehicle

7. Wide of crowds and ice sculpture

8. Mid of people walking up ice stairs onto sculpture

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

++DAY SHOTS++

9. Various aerial shots of Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

10. Wide of Ice Sculpture Competition area

11. Close of ice block with sculpture competitors working in background

12. Mid of American ice sculptor Roger Wing cutting ice block with chainsaw

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

13. Various of Wing flattening ice

14. Various of Wing polishing ice with iron

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Roger Wing, American ice sculptor:

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it's very difficult to create human anatomy, human faces, human hands. Only one or two artists were really good at it 20 years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

16. Mid of clay sculpture with sketch next to it on ice block

17. Close of clay sculpture of a flying apsaras

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

18. Various of Chinese sculptor Zhu Rui carving ice

19. Various of Chinese sculptor Wang Songyin carving ice

20. Wide of sculptors Luibov Polin (left) and Vadim Polin (right) working near ice sculptures

21. Mid of Luibov Polin drawing on ice sculpture

22. Mid of Luibov Polin and Vadim Polin working on their ice sculpture with drill

23. Close of drill

24. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vadim Polin, Russian sculptor:

"Our work is a Chinese dragon and a Russian girl. It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together."

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

25. Various of Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition area

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

26. Pan left from wide of four male swimmers diving into cold water to mid of two male swimmers doing breaststroke

27. Close of male swimmer in white swim cap doing breaststroke in cold water

28. Mid of two race referees recording swim times

29. Mid with zoom out of Bai Ling (left) and Zhang Xiaofeng (right) diving from blocks into cold water

30. Mid of Bai Ling winning race

31. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Bai Ling (right) and Zhang Xiaofeng (left), Ice Swimmers from Heilongjiang Province:

(Bai Ling) "It is really exciting! I hope more people can join us for ice swimming."

(Zhang Xiaofeng) "Ice swimming is cool! The more we swim the younger we become!"

32. Zoom out from mid of male swimmer in white swimming cap breast stroking to wide of swimmers breast stroking to finish line

33. Mid of young male swimmer climbing up ladder out of pool

34. Various of line of brides and grooms walking

35. Wide of couples walking by riverside

36. Wide of couples turning towards each other on stage

37. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Shurong, bride (with groom Wei Shuqi):

"The old days was difficult. It was not easy for most to wear a wedding dress. Life was hard. No one could get married in such a big occasion. We are very grateful and honoured."

38. Various of couples reciting wedding vows UPSOUND (Mandarin) "I swear I will love the country, care for our parents…We will respect and love each other…We will understand and accommodate each other…We will love each other for the rest of our lives."

39. Mid of grooms putting rings on brides

40. Mid of couples hugging

41. Wide of couples waving with bouquets

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 4 January 2020

42. Wide of tourists ringing giant bell on ice platform

43. Wide of ice castle against backdrop of sunset

44. Various of tourists riding bikes on ice and snow track

++NIGHT SHOTS++

45. Mid of illuminated ice sculptures and moon

46. Wide of tour bus and tourists on foot passing ice blocks and ice sculptures

47. Wide of ice palace lit in yellow and blue with people milling around

48. Pan left of people on bikes in front of ice castle lit in yellow and blue

49. Wide of ice park

50. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Bailing, Tourist from Hebei Province:

"Here is a very famous tourist site in winter. I came with my parents. My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I wanted to show my parents what it looks like. After I came, I realised the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave! Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much."

51. Pan left from tour bus to ice sculpture of train

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

52. Various night time aerials of Harbin Ice and Snow sculptures ++MUTE++

LEAD IN:

The Harbin Snow and Ice Festival draws millions to China's icy north from all over the world to marvel at glittering towers and sculptures built entirely of ice and snow.

Now in its 36th year, the annual event includes ice sculpting, a swimming race across frozen water, and even a mass wedding - and it's proving more popular than ever.

STORY-LINE:

In the dark depths of winter in the northernmost province of China, a riot of fireworks and twinkling lights sparkle in the night sky.

Here, thousands brave temperatures that hover around -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) to experience an annual display that glitters and shimmers.

And it's all the more awesome when you learn how these structures are made: this extraordinary spectacle is built entirely of snow and ice.

The 2020 Harbin Snow and Ice Festival runs through until February.

The event - in its 36th year - attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The festival sprawls across four sites, with the largest two the Sun Island Snow Park, and the Harbin Ice and Snow Park, both near the banks of the mighty Songhua River.

This year, the Sun Island Snow Park covers an area of 600,000 square metres.

One of the key drawcards of the festival is the annual ice sculpting event, which this year attracted 60 sculptors from all over the world.

In the days leading up to the judging, the frosty northern air is full of the hum of chainsaws, drills and grinders.

Carving began at the start of the week (Monday 6 January 2020), and the sculptors had to be done by Wednesday (8 January 2020).

This event requires that entrants carve their designs from ice blocks taken from Songhua River.

Roger Wing is an ice and wood sculptor and competitor here, hailing from the US.

With his sculpture - a collaboration with Finnish artist Anssi Kuosa - he is exploring ideas of beauty and age: a witch looking into a magical mirror, seeing a beautiful face.  

He flattens the ice block with a nail plate before ironing it to create a transparent effect.

With 20 years of experience sculpting, Wing has first-hand experience of how carving tools and techniques have improved.

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it's very difficult to create human anatomy, human faces, human hands," he says.

"Only one or two artists were very good at it 20 years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

Chinese sculptor, Zhu Rui, and his partner initially began ice carving as a hobby but went professional five years ago.

Here at Harbin they are creating an apsaras flying around the moon - influenced by Chinese dance and culture.

Chinese sculptor Wang Songyin is working with a variety of implements to create his vision.

Getting the angle right for this pointed detail is a painstaking process.

Here, Russian couple Vadim Polin and Luibov Polina are carving a Russian girl being lifted up by a Chinese dragon.

For them, the work is a tribute to the long history of relations between Russia and China.

"Our work is a Chinese dragon and a Russian girl. It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together," says Vadim Polin.

Across the sculpting area here, extreme care is being taken to add minute details to each work, which can involve hundreds of pieces of ice.

With the judging over, the works will stay on display here for two months.

Beside the Songhua River, competitors here are taking a plunge of a different sort at the annual ice swimming event.

Believe it or not, it's warmer in this ice-cold swimming pool than in the frigid air outside.

Crowds have gathered to provide support, as timekeepers carefully record the swimmers' performances.

The pool here is carved from the ice of the Songhua River.

All told about 200 swimmers from 42 teams are competing.

They hail from all over China, as well as some from Russia and the United States.

The swimmers are divided into groups, by sex and age.

There are events for the young, the middle-aged, and the old.

"It is really exciting! I hope more people can join us for ice swimming," says local swimmer Bai Ling.

"Ice swimming is cool! The more we swim the younger we become!" says her fellow competitor, local Zhang Xiaofeng.

As the swimmers make their hurried way to the finish line, the air temperature outside is a body-numbingly cold -15 Celsius (5 Fahrenheit).

That can make getting out of the pool a struggle, but thankfully friends or family are usually on hand to give the competitors some warmth once out of the water.

There's warmth aplenty further down the riverbank at the annual Harbin mass wedding.

This year, 43 couples are declaring their love and commitment to each other, parading along the riverfront promenade to the main stage.

Today it's -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), so bridal gowns and suits are covered in warm winter jackets.

The couples have come from around China to share their special day, but not all are getting married for the first time.

Wang Shurong and her groom Wei Shuqi have come from a remote village in Heilongjiang province, and were invited here to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary.

"The old days was difficult. It was not easy for most to wear a wedding dress. Life was hard. No one could get married in such a big occasion. We are very grateful and honoured," says Wang Shurong.

In unison, the couples recite their wedding vows, and exchange rings.

They promise to love their country, care for their parents and love each other for the rest of their lives.

In the Sun Island Snow Park this year, 110,000 cubic meters of snow has been used to build and hand-carve the structures that loom here in the icy cold sky.

At the beginning of every December, local workers start the painstaking work of preparing the site.

This year, executing the vision took 360 hours, with 10,000 workers required for the job.

Many of the attractions this year provide fun for visitors of all ages and interests, and across the festival's locations, there are more than 20 games and activities on offer.

The glittering, icy spectacle is known throughout China, with families, couples, groups of friends and singles travelling here from far and wide.

Chen Bailing is here with her parents from Hebei province, in central China.

"Here is a very famous tourist site in winter. I came with my parents. My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I wanted to show my parents what it looks like. After I came, I realised the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave! Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much, "she says.

The ice festival was first held in Harbin in 1985.

While events like the ice sculpting, the ice swimming and the mass weddings lure people in, it's stunning sights like this that keep them coming back.

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Wide aerial of fireworks at Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

2. Tilt down from fireworks to ice sculptures

3. Wide of fireworks in sky above crowds and ice sculptures

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 4 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

4. Pan of train touring ice and snow sculptures

5. Wide of ice sculpture of train

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

++NIGHT SHOTS++

6. Wide of crowds milling around train-like touring vehicle

7. Wide of crowds and ice sculpture

8. Mid of people walking up ice stairs onto sculpture

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

++DAY SHOTS++

9. Various aerial shots of Harbin Ice and Snow Park ++MUTE++

10. Wide of Ice Sculpture Competition area

11. Close of ice block with sculpture competitors working in background

12. Mid of American ice sculptor Roger Wing cutting ice block with chainsaw

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

13. Various of Wing flattening ice

14. Various of Wing polishing ice with iron

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Roger Wing, American ice sculptor:

"Twenty years ago, there was only one or two carvers who are making figures, because it's very difficult to create human anatomy, human faces, human hands. Only one or two artists were really good at it 20 years ago. But now we have all learned the techniques to get stronger and now many carvers can do beautiful figures."

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

16. Mid of clay sculpture with sketch next to it on ice block

17. Close of clay sculpture of a flying apsaras

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 7 January 2020

18. Various of Chinese sculptor Zhu Rui carving ice

19. Various of Chinese sculptor Wang Songyin carving ice

20. Wide of sculptors Luibov Polin (left) and Vadim Polin (right) working near ice sculptures

21. Mid of Luibov Polin drawing on ice sculpture

22. Mid of Luibov Polin and Vadim Polin working on their ice sculpture with drill

23. Close of drill

24. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vadim Polin, Russian sculptor:

"Our work is a Chinese dragon and a Russian girl. It represents the friendship between the two countries. It's a new world by combining them together."

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 6 January 2020

25. Various of Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition area

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

26. Pan left from wide of four male swimmers diving into cold water to mid of two male swimmers doing breaststroke

27. Close of male swimmer in white swim cap doing breaststroke in cold water

28. Mid of two race referees recording swim times

29. Mid with zoom out of Bai Ling (left) and Zhang Xiaofeng (right) diving from blocks into cold water

30. Mid of Bai Ling winning race

31. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Bai Ling (right) and Zhang Xiaofeng (left), Ice Swimmers from Heilongjiang Province:

(Bai Ling) "It is really exciting! I hope more people can join us for ice swimming."

(Zhang Xiaofeng) "Ice swimming is cool! The more we swim the younger we become!"

32. Zoom out from mid of male swimmer in white swimming cap breast stroking to wide of swimmers breast stroking to finish line

33. Mid of young male swimmer climbing up ladder out of pool

34. Various of line of brides and grooms walking

35. Wide of couples walking by riverside

36. Wide of couples turning towards each other on stage

37. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Wang Shurong, bride (with groom Wei Shuqi):

"The old days was difficult. It was not easy for most to wear a wedding dress. Life was hard. No one could get married in such a big occasion. We are very grateful and honoured."

38. Various of couples reciting wedding vows UPSOUND (Mandarin) "I swear I will love the country, care for our parents…We will respect and love each other…We will understand and accommodate each other…We will love each other for the rest of our lives."

39. Mid of grooms putting rings on brides

40. Mid of couples hugging

41. Wide of couples waving with bouquets

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 4 January 2020

42. Wide of tourists ringing giant bell on ice platform

43. Wide of ice castle against backdrop of sunset

44. Various of tourists riding bikes on ice and snow track

++NIGHT SHOTS++

45. Mid of illuminated ice sculptures and moon

46. Wide of tour bus and tourists on foot passing ice blocks and ice sculptures

47. Wide of ice palace lit in yellow and blue with people milling around

48. Pan left of people on bikes in front of ice castle lit in yellow and blue

49. Wide of ice park

50. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Bailing, Tourist from Hebei Province:

"Here is a very famous tourist site in winter. I came with my parents. My father has never seen the ice lights, but he knows the ice lights are magnificent, so I wanted to show my parents what it looks like. After I came, I realised the lights are very beautiful indeed. We don't even want to leave! Although it is cold, we enjoy ourselves so much."

51. Pan left from tour bus to ice sculpture of train

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China – 5 January 2020

52. Various night time aerials of Harbin Ice and Snow sculptures ++MUTE++

LEADIN:

Forget Sydney, a towering opera house in Harbin, China is winning awards and turning heads.

The north eastern city, in China's Heilongjiang province, is best known for its annual winter festival and ice sculptures.

STORYLINE:

On the east side of China's Songhua River, a new landmark - the Harbin Opera House.

From above, it looks like a swirling silver scarf, wrapping around the grand building.

It was completed in 2015 by Beijing-based architectural firm, MAD.

Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD, says he chose the location because he imagined the building as an extension of the surrounding river flows and wetlands.

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape," he says.

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape. The opera house appears to be a snow hill. From an aerial view, it looks like part of the river. It's completely curvilinear. It blends with the natural environment. It is an artificial work, (but) in my mind, it's also like a spirit from nature. Visitors to the opera house feel as if they were still in the natural environment."

Located on Harbin Cultural Island, the city's new cultural hub by Songhua River, the opera house covers 79,000 square metres (850,000 square feet).

It comprises two performing venues: a grand theatre that can accommodate an audience of 1,600, and a small arena with 400 seats.

Along the stairway, embedded in and spiralling around the exterior wall, visitors are led to a platform on the rooftop. It's there they can enjoy views of the entire cultural island.

Ma hopes the opera house will be a place where residents can spend their leisure time, even if they don't watch a musical performance.

"Most importantly, the architecture is a friendly cultural symbol," he says.

"It's very different from the so-called 'landmarks' which were designed as if they were statues.

"The Opera House is undoubtedly another landmark, but it is a landmark partly because of its charm, another significant factor is because it is an essential destination for residents."

The same theme of fluidity continues in the interior.

Inside the lobby, curved wooden and white walls are decorated with starry lights.

The grand theatre is decked with curved, polished ash, like a section of a large instrument.

Raphael Schluesselberg is the conductor of orchestra, Symphonia Vienna. It was founded in Vienna in 1985.

"Not only outside, but also inside, the whole auditorium with (these) round lines, almost no corners, it's also acoustically amazing," says Schluesselberg.

"We just love to play here and be here and we really enjoy."

Since completion, the Harbin Opera House has received awards.

It became the first piece of Chinese architecture to be awarded 'Building of the Year' by international architecture website 'ArchDaily.'

Ma says China has now passed the era when lots of functional structures were needed.

With so many straight-lined and square buildings, he says it's now time for Chinese architects to think more about the natural environment, the community and local culture.

"The Opera House is an innovation," he says.

"Moreover, it's tightly integrated with nature, landscape and society. It's architecture that sprouts from local culture."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

1. Various aerial shots of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

2. Mid of architect Ma Yansong sitting in front of building model

3. Close of Ma

4. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape. The opera house appears to be a snow hill. From the aerial view, it looks like part of the river. It's completely curvilinear. It blends with the natural environment. It is an artificial work, (but) in my mind, it's also like a spirit from nature. Visitors to the opera house feel as if they were still in the natural environment."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

5. Various of Harbin Opera House exterior

6. Wide of visitors walking down stairs

7. Wide of Harbin Opera House exterior

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

8. Wide of ceiling and stairway inside Harbin Opera House

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

9. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"Most importantly, the architecture is a friendly cultural symbol. It's very different from the so-called 'landmarks' which were designed as if they were statues. The Opera House is undoubtedly another landmark, but it is a landmark partly because of its charm, another significant factor is because it is an essential destination for residents."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

10. Various of grand theatre of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 4 January 2018

11. Various of Symphonia Vienna concert

UPSOUND: music

12. Setup shot of Raphael Schluesselberg, Conductor of Symphonia Vienna

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Raphael Schluesselberg, Conductor of Symphonia Vienna:

"Not only outside, but also inside, the whole auditorium with this round lines, almost no corners, it's also acoustically amazing. We just love to play here and be here and we really enjoy."

14. Wide of Symphonia Vienna concert

UPSOUND: music

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

15. Various of Harbin Opera House interior

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"China usually accepts the model that has been recognized internationally. The Opera House is an innovation. Moreover, it is tightly integrated with nature, landscape and society. It's architecture that sprouts from local culture."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

17. Various of aerial shots of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

LEADIN:

Forget Sydney, a towering opera house in Harbin, China is winning awards and turning heads.

The north eastern city, in China's Heilongjiang province, is best known for its annual winter festival and ice sculptures.

STORYLINE:

On the east side of China's Songhua River, a new landmark - the Harbin Opera House.

From above, it looks like a swirling silver scarf, wrapping around the grand building.

It was completed in 2015 by Beijing-based architectural firm, MAD.

Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD, says he chose the location because he imagined the building as an extension of the surrounding river flows and wetlands.

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape," he says.

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape. The opera house appears to be a snow hill. From an aerial view, it looks like part of the river. It's completely curvilinear. It blends with the natural environment. It is an artificial work, (but) in my mind, it's also like a spirit from nature. Visitors to the opera house feel as if they were still in the natural environment."

Located on Harbin Cultural Island, the city's new cultural hub by Songhua River, the opera house covers 79,000 square metres (850,000 square feet).

It comprises two performing venues: a grand theatre that can accommodate an audience of 1,600, and a small arena with 400 seats.

Along the stairway, embedded in and spiralling around the exterior wall, visitors are led to a platform on the rooftop. It's there they can enjoy views of the entire cultural island.

Ma hopes the opera house will be a place where residents can spend their leisure time, even if they don't watch a musical performance.

"Most importantly, the architecture is a friendly cultural symbol," he says.

"It's very different from the so-called 'landmarks' which were designed as if they were statues.

"The Opera House is undoubtedly another landmark, but it is a landmark partly because of its charm, another significant factor is because it is an essential destination for residents."

The same theme of fluidity continues in the interior.

Inside the lobby, curved wooden and white walls are decorated with starry lights.

The grand theatre is decked with curved, polished ash, like a section of a large instrument.

Raphael Schluesselberg is the conductor of orchestra, Symphonia Vienna. It was founded in Vienna in 1985.

"Not only outside, but also inside, the whole auditorium with (these) round lines, almost no corners, it's also acoustically amazing," says Schluesselberg.

"We just love to play here and be here and we really enjoy."

Since completion, the Harbin Opera House has received awards.

It became the first piece of Chinese architecture to be awarded 'Building of the Year' by international architecture website 'ArchDaily.'

Ma says China has now passed the era when lots of functional structures were needed.

With so many straight-lined and square buildings, he says it's now time for Chinese architects to think more about the natural environment, the community and local culture.

"The Opera House is an innovation," he says.

"Moreover, it's tightly integrated with nature, landscape and society. It's architecture that sprouts from local culture."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

1. Various aerial shots of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

2. Mid of architect Ma Yansong sitting in front of building model

3. Close of Ma

4. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"The architecture should be taken as part of the landscape. The opera house appears to be a snow hill. From the aerial view, it looks like part of the river. It's completely curvilinear. It blends with the natural environment. It is an artificial work, (but) in my mind, it's also like a spirit from nature. Visitors to the opera house feel as if they were still in the natural environment."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

5. Various of Harbin Opera House exterior

6. Wide of visitors walking down stairs

7. Wide of Harbin Opera House exterior

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

8. Wide of ceiling and stairway inside Harbin Opera House

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

9. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"Most importantly, the architecture is a friendly cultural symbol. It's very different from the so-called 'landmarks' which were designed as if they were statues. The Opera House is undoubtedly another landmark, but it is a landmark partly because of its charm, another significant factor is because it is an essential destination for residents."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

10. Various of grand theatre of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 4 January 2018

11. Various of Symphonia Vienna concert

UPSOUND: music

12. Setup shot of Raphael Schluesselberg, Conductor of Symphonia Vienna

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Raphael Schluesselberg, Conductor of Symphonia Vienna:

"Not only outside, but also inside, the whole auditorium with this round lines, almost no corners, it's also acoustically amazing. We just love to play here and be here and we really enjoy."

14. Wide of Symphonia Vienna concert

UPSOUND: music

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 8 January 2018

15. Various of Harbin Opera House interior

Beijing, China - 1 February 2018

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ma Yansong, Architect:

"China usually accepts the model that has been recognized internationally. The Opera House is an innovation. Moreover, it is tightly integrated with nature, landscape and society. It's architecture that sprouts from local culture."

Harbin (Heilongjiang Province), China - 6 January 2018

17. Various of aerial shots of Harbin Opera House ++MUTE++

LEADIN:

China's art scene is undergoing a major shift as the country's economic rise fuels an increase in collectors and investors.

The Beijing Art Expo, which is now underway, is helping to create a buzz by showcasing the talent and trends of artists worldwide, but at a cost.

STORYLINE:

At this exhibition, art is beyond boundaries and materials.

Among the various stands and booths here are traditional Chinese paintings alongside international and more contemporary works.

There are also pieces from artists in Russia and North Korea.  

While no North Korean artists were able to attend the expo to promote their paintings, one gallery curator at the event, Zhang Dandan says their works are worth investing in.

"North Korean paintings are enjoying prosperity now. As culture exchange between China and North Korea is increasing, North Korean oil paintings can expect a market growth. The market is not truly opened yet, but when it is, prices will go up on a great scale. It's a very good timing now for collectors and art lovers to collect North Korean paintings," she says.

Curators say because of China's economic rise, more and more Chinese are becoming interested in art and attending exhibitions like this.

Lai Zhigang is a painter who is famous for his traditional Chinese paintings. His stand is dominated by his work 'Xiahe Symphony' which highlights his use of black and white.

"Black and white are from Taoist culture, Laozi culture. Black and white are the epitome of Taoist culture. Chinese culture and philosophy emphasizes simplicity, using the simplest things to describe the most complex things in the universe. It's a challenge, a result of philosophical perceptions, and innovation of inheriting culture," he says.

However, Mr Lai believes China's art scene has not developed as quickly as its economy.

"Chinese art is actually regressing. There has been a huge retrogression during the past 30 years. There have not been new excellent works, but only some signs of the accumulation of previous good artworks. Perhaps it has something to do with politics in China. Art can't be separated from politics," he says.

The art works range from paintings to sculptures, like this installation of concrete lamps by Zhang Baogui.

Different colours, textures and materials are on display, including the eye catching gold paintings of artist Kim II Tae.  

Richie Chai, who represents the painter, explains why he specializes in gold: "Chinese people themselves love collecting gold. We spend money on either real estate or gold. As the combination of art and gold, it (gold painting) is worth collecting. So I believe Chinese art lovers will like it."

"Gold is universally acknowledged as eternal. It doesn't change in appearance, nor will its color fade away. He (Kim Il Tae) wants to make something that people can forever cherish, something that won't change and is different from other artworks. So he chooses gold," he adds.

While the gold paintings draw much attention, there are few people willing to pay upwards of one million RMB (US$146,000) for the cheapest item.

More foreign artists are waking up to China as a growing market for their art.

Ana Moreno is an artist from Venezuela and the director of Art Center Miami in the United States. She explains the philosophy behinds her paintings which concentrate on fish.

"For me, life should always be Zen. Everything that has to happen the way it is, without forcing it. And I believe, in my fish you can see it clearly. It's like, whatever has to happen will happen. And we just have to let it be. And I try to express that in the paintings as well. "

The owner of Art Center Miami, Connie Suarez says she wanted to be part of the exhibition because the similarities between Chinese and Latin American culture.

"Latin American culture is very similar to Asian culture, and Miami is located as a bridge to a very big population of Latin Americans there. And we find our culture very similar to culture in China," she says.

The Beijing Art Expo runs from 30 August until 2 September 2018.

Organisers are expecting around 20,000 people to attend over the four days.

Beijing, China – 30 August 2018

1. Close of 'On the Day of Mass Gymnastics' by Kim Ryong Il (2018)

2. Mid of 'Beauty in Front of The Longevity Painting' by Hong Mi (2017)

3. Mid of a visitor looking at North Korean paintings

4. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Zhang Dandan, curator of 985 Gallery of Harbin International Oil Paintings Trading Center:

"North Korean paintings are enjoying prosperity now. As the culture exchange between China and North Korea is increasing, North Korean oil paintings can expect a market growth. The market is not truly opened yet, but when it is, prices will go up on a great scale. It's a very good timing now for collectors and art lovers to collect North Korean paintings. "

5. Various of the art expo

6. Mid of an artist doing calligraphy

7. Various of the art booth of Chinese landscape painter Lai Zhigang

8. Close of painting 'Kong Shanxinyuhou' (2014) with reflection

9. Mid of Lai Zhigang talking with a visitor

10. Pan of 'Xiahe Symphony' by Lai Zhigang (2010)

11. Various of Lai Zhigang's art booth

12. Various of a visitor looking at Lai's paintings

13. Tilt-down of 'Xiahe Symphony' by Lai Zhigang (2010)

14. Various of visitor taking photo with Lai

15. Close of Lai and a visitor on a photo

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Lai Zhigang, Chinese landscape painter:

"Black and white are from Taoist culture, Laozi culture. Black and white are the epitome of Taoist culture. Chinese culture and philosophy emphasizes simplicity, using the simplest things to describe the most complex things in the universe. It's a challenge, a result of philosophical perceptions, and innovation of inheriting culture."

17. Various of Lai Zhigang's paintings

18. Wide of exhibition and Lai's poster

19. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Lai Zhigang, Chinese landscape painter:

"Chinese art is actually regressing. There has been a huge retrogression during the past 30 years. There have not been new excellent works, but only some signs of the accumulation of previous good artworks. Perhaps it has something to do with politics in China. Art can't be separated from politics."

20. Mid of visitors at the expo

21. Close of a painting 'Panda'

22. Installations

23. Various of the Concrete Lamp installation by Zhang Baogui (2018)

24. Mid of the art expo ++MUTE++

25. 'Bus Station' by Ri Song Chol (2018)

26. Pan to the stand of South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

27. Mid of stand of South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

28. Gold paintings by South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

29. Tilt-up of 'Eternity' by Kim Il Tae (2013)

30. Various of a visitor with Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China)

31. Close of Chai's hands

32. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China):

"Why? Because Chinese people themselves love collecting gold. We spend money on either real estate or gold. As the combination of art and gold, it (gold painting) is worth collecting. So I believe Chinese art lovers will like it."

33. Various of details of Kim Il Tae's paintings

34. Mid of Kim's paintings

35. Close of 'Auspicious Spiritual Beast' by Kim Il Tae (2017)

36. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China):

"Gold is universally acknowledged as eternal. It doesn't change in appearance, nor will its color fade away. He (Kim Il Tae) wants to make something that people can forever cherish, something that won't change and is different from other artworks. So he chooses gold."

37. Various of expo, visitors and art

38. Mid of two paintings showing ballerinas, 'Passion and Power', Si QIuli (date unknown)

39. Various of visitors with Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami

40. Tilt-up of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

41. SOUNDBITE (English) Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami:

"For me, life should always be Zen. Everything that has to happen the way it is, without forcing it. And I believe, in my fish you can see it clearly. It's like, whatever has to happen will happen. And we just have to let it be. And I try to express that in the paintings as well. "

42. Various of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

43. SOUNDBITE (English) Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami:

"Well for me, life, the circle of life in Zen, it's a big circle that starts and ends in only one stroke. I have one of the paintings you might see after, the whole fish will make a turn and with the tail finishing the circle of life. "

44. Various of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

45. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Connie Suarez, Owner of Art Center Miami:

"Latin American culture is very similar to Asian culture, and Miami is located as a bridge to a very big population of Latin Americans there. And we find our culture very similar to culture in China."

46. Tilt-down of 'Gold Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno

47. Mid of Ana Moreno talking with Chinese visitors

LEADIN:

China's art scene is undergoing a major shift as the country's economic rise fuels an increase in collectors and investors.

The Beijing Art Expo, which is now underway, is helping to create a buzz by showcasing the talent and trends of artists worldwide, but at a cost.

STORYLINE:

At this exhibition, art is beyond boundaries and materials.

Among the various stands and booths here are traditional Chinese paintings alongside international and more contemporary works.

There are also pieces from artists in Russia and North Korea.  

While no North Korean artists were able to attend the expo to promote their paintings, one gallery curator at the event, Zhang Dandan says their works are worth investing in.

"North Korean paintings are enjoying prosperity now. As culture exchange between China and North Korea is increasing, North Korean oil paintings can expect a market growth. The market is not truly opened yet, but when it is, prices will go up on a great scale. It's a very good timing now for collectors and art lovers to collect North Korean paintings," she says.

Curators say because of China's economic rise, more and more Chinese are becoming interested in art and attending exhibitions like this.

Lai Zhigang is a painter who is famous for his traditional Chinese paintings. His stand is dominated by his work 'Xiahe Symphony' which highlights his use of black and white.

"Black and white are from Taoist culture, Laozi culture. Black and white are the epitome of Taoist culture. Chinese culture and philosophy emphasizes simplicity, using the simplest things to describe the most complex things in the universe. It's a challenge, a result of philosophical perceptions, and innovation of inheriting culture," he says.

However, Mr Lai believes China's art scene has not developed as quickly as its economy.

"Chinese art is actually regressing. There has been a huge retrogression during the past 30 years. There have not been new excellent works, but only some signs of the accumulation of previous good artworks. Perhaps it has something to do with politics in China. Art can't be separated from politics," he says.

The art works range from paintings to sculptures, like this installation of concrete lamps by Zhang Baogui.

Different colours, textures and materials are on display, including the eye catching gold paintings of artist Kim II Tae.  

Richie Chai, who represents the painter, explains why he specializes in gold: "Chinese people themselves love collecting gold. We spend money on either real estate or gold. As the combination of art and gold, it (gold painting) is worth collecting. So I believe Chinese art lovers will like it."

"Gold is universally acknowledged as eternal. It doesn't change in appearance, nor will its color fade away. He (Kim Il Tae) wants to make something that people can forever cherish, something that won't change and is different from other artworks. So he chooses gold," he adds.

While the gold paintings draw much attention, there are few people willing to pay upwards of one million RMB (US$146,000) for the cheapest item.

More foreign artists are waking up to China as a growing market for their art.

Ana Moreno is an artist from Venezuela and the director of Art Center Miami in the United States. She explains the philosophy behinds her paintings which concentrate on fish.

"For me, life should always be Zen. Everything that has to happen the way it is, without forcing it. And I believe, in my fish you can see it clearly. It's like, whatever has to happen will happen. And we just have to let it be. And I try to express that in the paintings as well. "

The owner of Art Center Miami, Connie Suarez says she wanted to be part of the exhibition because the similarities between Chinese and Latin American culture.

"Latin American culture is very similar to Asian culture, and Miami is located as a bridge to a very big population of Latin Americans there. And we find our culture very similar to culture in China," she says.

The Beijing Art Expo runs from 30 August until 2 September 2018.

Organisers are expecting around 20,000 people to attend over the four days.

Beijing, China – 30 August 2018

1. Close of 'On the Day of Mass Gymnastics' by Kim Ryong Il (2018)

2. Mid of 'Beauty in Front of The Longevity Painting' by Hong Mi (2017)

3. Mid of a visitor looking at North Korean paintings

4. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Zhang Dandan, curator of 985 Gallery of Harbin International Oil Paintings Trading Center:

"North Korean paintings are enjoying prosperity now. As the culture exchange between China and North Korea is increasing, North Korean oil paintings can expect a market growth. The market is not truly opened yet, but when it is, prices will go up on a great scale. It's a very good timing now for collectors and art lovers to collect North Korean paintings. "

5. Various of the art expo

6. Mid of an artist doing calligraphy

7. Various of the art booth of Chinese landscape painter Lai Zhigang

8. Close of painting 'Kong Shanxinyuhou' (2014) with reflection

9. Mid of Lai Zhigang talking with a visitor

10. Pan of 'Xiahe Symphony' by Lai Zhigang (2010)

11. Various of Lai Zhigang's art booth

12. Various of a visitor looking at Lai's paintings

13. Tilt-down of 'Xiahe Symphony' by Lai Zhigang (2010)

14. Various of visitor taking photo with Lai

15. Close of Lai and a visitor on a photo

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Lai Zhigang, Chinese landscape painter:

"Black and white are from Taoist culture, Laozi culture. Black and white are the epitome of Taoist culture. Chinese culture and philosophy emphasizes simplicity, using the simplest things to describe the most complex things in the universe. It's a challenge, a result of philosophical perceptions, and innovation of inheriting culture."

17. Various of Lai Zhigang's paintings

18. Wide of exhibition and Lai's poster

19. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Lai Zhigang, Chinese landscape painter:

"Chinese art is actually regressing. There has been a huge retrogression during the past 30 years. There have not been new excellent works, but only some signs of the accumulation of previous good artworks. Perhaps it has something to do with politics in China. Art can't be separated from politics."

20. Mid of visitors at the expo

21. Close of a painting 'Panda'

22. Installations

23. Various of the Concrete Lamp installation by Zhang Baogui (2018)

24. Mid of the art expo ++MUTE++

25. 'Bus Station' by Ri Song Chol (2018)

26. Pan to the stand of South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

27. Mid of stand of South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

28. Gold paintings by South Korean artist Kim Il Tae

29. Tilt-up of 'Eternity' by Kim Il Tae (2013)

30. Various of a visitor with Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China)

31. Close of Chai's hands

32. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China):

"Why? Because Chinese people themselves love collecting gold. We spend money on either real estate or gold. As the combination of art and gold, it (gold painting) is worth collecting. So I believe Chinese art lovers will like it."

33. Various of details of Kim Il Tae's paintings

34. Mid of Kim's paintings

35. Close of 'Auspicious Spiritual Beast' by Kim Il Tae (2017)

36. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Richie Chai, Director of Aureo Group (Greater China):

"Gold is universally acknowledged as eternal. It doesn't change in appearance, nor will its color fade away. He (Kim Il Tae) wants to make something that people can forever cherish, something that won't change and is different from other artworks. So he chooses gold."

37. Various of expo, visitors and art

38. Mid of two paintings showing ballerinas, 'Passion and Power', Si QIuli (date unknown)

39. Various of visitors with Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami

40. Tilt-up of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

41. SOUNDBITE (English) Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami:

"For me, life should always be Zen. Everything that has to happen the way it is, without forcing it. And I believe, in my fish you can see it clearly. It's like, whatever has to happen will happen. And we just have to let it be. And I try to express that in the paintings as well. "

42. Various of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

43. SOUNDBITE (English) Ana Moreno, Director of Art Center Miami:

"Well for me, life, the circle of life in Zen, it's a big circle that starts and ends in only one stroke. I have one of the paintings you might see after, the whole fish will make a turn and with the tail finishing the circle of life. "

44. Various of 'Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno (date unknown)

45. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Connie Suarez, Owner of Art Center Miami:

"Latin American culture is very similar to Asian culture, and Miami is located as a bridge to a very big population of Latin Americans there. And we find our culture very similar to culture in China."

46. Tilt-down of 'Gold Fish Ponds' by Ana Moreno

47. Mid of Ana Moreno talking with Chinese visitors

ASPIRING CHINESE RAPPER HOPES TO MAKE 'REAL HIP-HOP' DESPITE CENSORS

Hip-hop has gone mainstream in China thanks to the massively popular reality competition series "The Rap of China" -- but some rappers have been pushing the limits of what's allowed under government censorship.

Xinzhu Wang was among the 30-plus contestants who tried out for the online show this week in Los Angeles. Originally from Harbin, China, the 19-year-old is set to attend New York University, but is first spending some time in LA hoping to break into music. She's hoping to make "real hip-hop" - but says she first needs to play along with the positive, clean rap endorsed by the government.

"So hip-hop in China is really big. Everyone is listening to it and everyone would love to hear more, like more new style. But it's kind of banned last year because some bad thing happened – I don't know what's going on, but people were banning hip-hop. So all the rappers here, they got a lot of pressure on them, because once this show is going to come out and everyone is going to watch, then people is going to see how it is – the new form of Chinese rapping," she said.

Finalists for the first season of the show last year became celebrities in China, but then faced backlash after their older "underground" songs came to light - that included content deemed undesirable by government censors, including profanity.

"I really just want to do my own real hip-hop music instead of being taught or being told to do some things that I really don't like. But this is the reality. You've got to face it, right? So I'm thinking it's like once I get in or anything, I'm just going to focus on my own music and I'm going to do it well. I'm going to go hard on it," Wang said.

"I don't know if the show is going to allow me to say that, but right now I can't say curse words in my lyrics or like show my aggressive on everything. But basically hip-hop is a thing that you can show your expression onto it and you can show your people how you feel about the things and all that. So I think that's the real hip-hop. It's not like oh people love to hear 'what' and you just say 'what,' you know? So what I'm doing is like I'm going to be a good girl now, but maybe later create my own stuff and I don't f**king care. Sorry. I don't care if people say this is right or this is not."

"The Rap of China" series is set to air from July to September on China's YouTube-like platform iQiyi.

Company Senior Vice President William Chen said the show is intended to introduce hip-hop to mainstream Chinese culture by focusing on "positive" aspects of the music.

"Last year, about six months after the show ended, a few individual contestants have done things that were not morally responsible and even illegal, these incidents have left the negative impression on the hip-hop culture in the eyes of the Chinese public or law enforcement.  These behaviors were isolated incidents but still left a negative impact and may have created some bias towards the culture," he said. "The mission of 'The Rap of China' is give a platform to more rappers who represent a more positive image of hip-hop to the Chinese public, so they understand that hip-hop is not just a underground movement, or full of curse words."

*** NOTE PROFANITY IN SOUNDBITE 6 and 9 ***

Los Angeles, 21 May 2018

1. Medium pull to wide shot Xinzhu Wang walks onto stage during "The Rap of China" tryouts

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Xinzhu Wang, student-aspiring rapper:

"So hip-hop in China is really big. Everyone is listening to it and everyone would love to hear more, like more new style. But it's kind of banned last year because some bad thing happened – I don't know what's going on, but people were banning hip-hop. So all the rappers right here, they got a lot of pressure on them, because once this show is going to come out and everyone is going to watch, then people is going to see how it is – the new form of Chinese rapping."

3. Medium Xinzhu Wang performs

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Xinzhu Wang, student-aspiring rapper:

"But I really just want to do my own real hip-hop music instead of being taught or being told to do some things that I really don't like. But this is the reality. You've got to face it, right? So I'm thinking it's like once I get in or anything, I'm just going to focus on my own music and I'm going to do it well. I'm going to go hard on it."

5. Wide Xinzhu Wang performs

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Xinzhu Wang, student-aspiring rapper:

"I don't know if the show is going to allow me to say that, but right now I can't say curse words in my lyrics or like show my aggressive on everything. But basically hip-hop is a thing that you can show your expression onto it and you can show the people how you feel about the things and all that. So I think that's the real hip-hop. It's not like oh people love to hear 'what' and you just say 'what,' you know? So what I'm doing is like I'm going to be a good girl now, but maybe later create my own stuff and I don't f**king care. Sorry. I don't care if people say this is right or this is not."

7. Cameraman at "The Rap of China" tryouts

8. Medium zoom to wide Xinzhu Wang performs

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Xinzhu Wang, student-aspiring rapper:

"I don't really like to do the things that they want me to do, but I'm just trying to get into this industry. Because once I get into this industry in China, blah blah blah, they will approve me, then I'm going to start to do my own sh*t, my own real sh*t."

10. Wide William Chen with 'RICH'-branded hat

11. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) William Chen, iQiyi Senior Vice President:

"Last year, about six months after the show ended, a few individual contestants have done things that were not morally responsible and even illegal, these incidents have left the negative impression on the hip-hop culture in the eyes of the Chinese public or law enforcement. These behaviors were isolated incidents but still left a negative impact and may have created some bias towards the culture. However, the show itself is audited by the government and there's no problem with it. This is why we are able to continue with the show and bring it to a bigger scale. The responsibility of the show is to produce high quality content, shine a more positive light on the culture, and enable the hip-hop culture to grow positively in China. I believe same thing also happened in China. For example, a lot of lyrics in raps are negative, but there are lot of singers or platforms, the songs they play or created are without curse words. The mission of 'The Rap of China' is give a platform to more rappers who represent a more positive image of hip-hop to the Chinese public, so they understand that hip-hop is not just a underground movement, or full of curse words. This is our mission."

12. Wide Xinzhu Wang performs