Harbin's ice wonderland adorned with Asian Winter Games elements, drawing global visitors

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

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.

However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.

Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.

Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.

"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.

Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.

"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.

Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family