A man is busy working on his sculpture during the 16th Harbin International Snow Sculpture Contest in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan 10, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

HARBIN - More than 20 teams from 14 countries participated in the 16th Harbin International Snow Sculpture Contest Monday in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The 4-day contest attracts almost 100 participants from the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Thailand, Canada, China and eight other countries to Harbin, capital city of Heilongjiang.

This time of the year is usually the coldest in the city, with the local temperature hovering at minus 16 degrees Celsius.

The contest is organized by the 23rd Sun Island Snow Expo organizing committee at Sun Island Scenic Area.

Sun Island is known for its beautiful scenery and well-preserved environment, with the number of annual visitors reaching 3 million.

A man is busy working on his sculpture during the 16th Harbin International Snow Sculpture Contest in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan 10, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]