January / February • Cultural Insight

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

The world of ice. Harbin features massive cities built entirely from blocks of ice carved from the Songhua River. This lesson explores the impermanence of beauty and whether spending millions on structures that will melt in 60 days is a wise investment of human energy.

Speaking Discussion

Why do we find frozen things so magical? Is it because they are temporary?
Should a city spend millions of dollars on a festival that melts away?
Would you rather live in a house made of ice for a week or a house made of sand?
How does extreme cold affect the personality of a city and its people?
If you could freeze one moment in your life forever, which one would it be?

Activity 1: The Ice Architect

The Task: You are building a New wonder of the world from ice. Describe it in 3 sentences. What is the main structure and what is the symbolism of it melting?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is temporary art more valuable than permanent art?

Key Vocabulary

Impermanence (N) The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
Impermanence (N) The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
Impermanence (N) The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
Impermanence (N) The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
Impermanence (N) The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To break the ice."

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