The cultural significance of 雪人 (xuěrén) is split between its two meanings. 1. The Snowman: Much like in the West, building a snowman is a universal symbol of winter fun and childhood joy in the northern parts of China where it snows. It doesn't hold deep ancient symbolism but is a modern, shared cultural activity. It represents simple happiness, family time during the cold months, and the ephemeral beauty of winter. It frequently appears in children's books, songs, and cartoons. 2. The Yeti (Abominable Snowman): This meaning connects to global folklore and cryptozoology. The legend of a large, ape-like creature living in the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山 - Xǐmǎlāyǎ Shān) is well-known in China. This is very similar to the Western concept of Bigfoot or Sasquatch. While the Yeti legend originates from Tibetan folklore, the term 雪人 is the common Chinese name for it. China also has its own legend of a similar creature called the 野人 (yěrén), or “Wild Man,” said to inhabit the remote forests of Hubei province. So, while a snowman is a simple reality, the 雪人 as a Yeti taps into a universal human fascination with the unknown and the wild.
How you hear 雪人 (xuěrén) used depends entirely on the situation.