Chinese families and pale-faced Russians with fur hats from nearby Vladivostok are crowding the exposition venue. Enormous snow sculptures of dinosaurs are on show, as well as socialist scenes with militant workers. The ice sculptures are the most enchanting because ice is easier to work with. And through all that meanders a Chinese Ice Wall. The festival also attracts a lot of souvenir sellers.
Abundance still feels odd in a socialist country.
But the Chinese attitude towards capitalist principles such as the free market is beginning to change. That process is more visible in the cities on the coast of East China. The principle of one country, two systems' allows the creation of free trade zones. In these areas everything is geared to creating the fastest possible economic growth. The best-known examples are Shanghai and Hong Kong.