As the eagerly awaited 9th Asian Winter Games are just 30 days away Wednesday, the host city Harbin in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province is embracing the multi-sport event with dazzling Games-themed ice and snow sculptures and thrilling winter activities.
At the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park, the 26th edition of the Harbin Ice and Snow World, the entire facility has been meticulously infused with Asian Games-themed elements, captivating both domestic and international visitors. At the park's eastern entrance, a striking ice countdown clock stands as a popular photo spot for visitors, signaling the anticipation surrounding the Games.
Once inside, guests are greeted by prominent features related to the Asian Winter Games. The Games' theme, "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," is displayed in giant characters. Flanking the motto are Binbin and Nini, the Games' mascots, inspired by the Siberian tiger.
The China Media Group's ice and snow broadcasting studio, a fixture for the past four years, is also a must-see. Special programming related to the Games will be produced from this unique location.
The park's largest structure, the main tower, takes its design cues from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) emblem. Representations of landmarks from the 45 OCA member nations and regions are also featured throughout the park.
A Cambodian media team was seen filming in front of the ice replica of Cambodia's Bayon Temple, a well-known and richly decorated Buddhist pyramid temple built at the end of the 12th century.
"This is an awe-inspiring experience. Our Cambodian influencers have never seen such beautiful ice and snow sculptures. They're eager to explore and share the beauty of Harbin with Southeast Asia and the world," said Li Zhen, the Chinese representative of the Cambodia-China New Media Association.
Ice sculptures of Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia, Macao's Ruins of St. Paul's, and Taiwan's Taipei 101 skyscraper are also attracting attention and photo opportunities.
"It's truly stunning! Even more beautiful than on television. Seeing it in person is a completely different experience," said a tourist from Hong Kong.
Since its opening on December 21, 2024, the Harbin Ice and Snow World has welcomed 846,200 visits, a 24.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Beyond the Ice and Snow World, Harbin continues to offer a range of winter attractions, including the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo and the historic Central Street. New experiences like the "Snow Country Train" and ice and snow concerts add to the vibrant winter culture.
From winter sports to tourism, these diverse offerings are stimulating ice and snow consumption and expanding the winter economy.
The 9th Asian Winter Games, scheduled for February 7-14, will feature athletes from across Asia competing in six major events, 11 sub-events, and 64 disciplines.
Harbin's ice wonderland adorned with Asian Winter Games elements, drawing global visitors
