Preparations heat up for 9th Asian Winter Games in China's "ice city"

Preparations for the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games in China's renowned "ice city" of Harbin are progressing smoothly, according to organizers, with venues for the ice sport events completed and the athletes' village now ready to welcome participants as the countdown continues. The Games, scheduled to open on Feb 7 in Harbin of the northeastern Heilongjiang Province, marks China's first major international ice and snow event since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. This edition is set to see record participation, with over 1,500 athletes from 34 countries and regions taking part.

The ice events of the Asian Winter Games will take place in five venues across Harbin, featuring sports such as curling, speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, and men's and women's ice hockey. Currently, the facilities at these venues are fully equipped, and the ice surfaces have met international competition standards.

Away from the competition arena, the athletes' village which has been prepared for those competing in ice sports is now all set to host nearly 1,000 participants from more than 20 countries and regions across Asia.

The dining hall has been decorated with the themes of the Games and large murals depicting the beautiful ice and snow scenery of Heilongjiang, creating a warm atmosphere and demonstrating the unique regional cultural characteristics.

Organizers have also deployed high-tech means in the operation of the facilities at the dining hall. By utilizing AI and other technological innovations, kitchen management, energy conservation and environmental protection have all become more precise and efficient.

The accommodation in the village is also completed, with the rooms which will house athletes and officials said to be homely and comfortable. The beds have also been specially designed for tall athletes to ensure that every participant enjoys the best possible stay during the Games.

Extra attention has also been given to preparing sufficient medical services in the village, which features an emergency room, as well as a electrocardiogram and ultrasound room. Professional medical equipment and medicines are also being gradually put into use ahead of the Games, while medical staff have also practiced various treatment procedures that may be needed.

Sporting events will get underway several days prior to the Games' official opening ceremony on Feb. 7, with athletes from across Asia set to compete across a total of 64 different events during the course of the 12 competition days.

Preparations heat up for 9th Asian Winter Games in China's "ice city"

The new China-Mongolia cross-border railway is expected to serve as a new bridge for boosting connectivity between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Thursday.

China and Mongolia held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to mark the official launch of construction on the Gantsmod–Gashuunsukhait rail project, which will be the second cross-border rail link between the two countries.

Lin said at a regular press briefing that the railway would inject new momentum into the development of China-Mongolia bilateral relations.

"On May 14, China and Mongolia held a ceremony to mark the official groundbreaking of the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait cross-border railway, which is the second cross-border railway between the two countries. Expanding cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, energy, mining and connectivity is an important common understanding between President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. In February this year, Premier Li Qiang and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene jointly witnessed the exhibiting of the cooperation agreement on the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait railway and coal trade," said Lin.

"The construction of this cross-border railway is not only a concrete step of implementing the important common understanding between the presidents of the two countries, but also an important action to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and Mongolia's Steppe Road Program. We hope this railway will serve as a new bridge for China-Mongolia connectivity, fostering deeper development integration, promoting industrial synergy, and expanding visits and exchanges, thereby injecting new impetus in to the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future," he said.

New cross-border railway to enhance connectivity between China, Mongolia: FM spokesman