The world famous Brussels icon, 400 years old and counting, made quite an impression in China this winter. Quite literally, in fact. Not our bronze original sculpture, of course, but a four metre tall replica carved out of ice.
Harbin likes to present itself as China’s ice and snow capital. With winter temperatures dropping as low as -30 °C, this metropolis of ten million inhabitants — slightly fewer than Belgium, indeed — can rightfully claim the title. To reinforce its status, it hosts the yearly Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world’s largest ice sculpture festival. Season after season, millions of Chinese visitors and tourists from all over the world flock to the one‑square‑kilometre theme park.
This year, Belgium was chosen as the guest country. After discussions with the Chinese authorities, Manneken Pis was selected to proudly represent our national identity and reputation. The giant fountain figure fulfilled its mission brilliantly, thanks to the ingenuity and patience of the technicians. Not an easy task in such freezing temperatures.
If you are hoping to visit the 2025-2026 edition of Harbin Ice and Snow World, you are just a bit too late. But fret not: as impressive as it may be, a copy rarely — if ever — surpasses the original. And in the case of Manneken Pis, that is certainly true.
