Some 20 artists from 14 countries and regions demonstrate their artistic philosophy and skills in the sculpture park in Tonghe, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, at an event organized by the International Sculpture Symposium Alliance and the local government. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In Liu's view, it's a valuable opportunity to drive the economic development of the area and expand the urban landscape, in what they hope will result in prosperity being more evenly distributed in the area.

It is likely to be some time before the park becomes the money-spinning tourist attraction that Cao envisages, however, there are those that believe the immediate focus should be on how to best promote the cultural benefits of the park to the local community.

Despite it being situated outside the main urban area of Tonghe, Turkish artist Kemal Tufan, expressed his hope that the sculptures and the park can be incorporated into the daily life of the locals, just like many of his sculptures overseas are.