Harbin's Ice-Snow World is shining bright as the Asian Winter Games got underway, with the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park captivating visitors with a breathtaking blend of sports, culture, and entertainment.
The 9th Asian Winter Games, scheduled from Feb. 7 to 14, are underway in Harbin, the renowned "ice city" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. This year's Games has attracted over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia, marking the largest edition in terms of participation.
Aligned with the Games' theme of "Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia" which embodies unity and shared aspirations, Harbin Ice-Snow World, the branch venue of the event, showcases the diverse histories and cultures of Asian countries. Landmarks from 42 Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) member countries and three regions have been intricately recreated as ice sculptures. This allows visitors to experience the rich culture of Asia in one place, within the theme park the size of about 140 soccer fields.
Named "Love Among Asia", the 39-meter-high tower is the standout feature of the winter entertainment park. Its design features intricately arranged ice columns and draws inspiration from the official emblem of the OCA. At its core, the tower displays a radiant sun, symbolizing the flourishing development of Asian sports.
The park also features a 521-meter-long ice slide, offering visitors the thrill and excitement of the Asian Winter Games.
Additionally, lively outdoor music events and vibrant performances spark the enthusiasm of visitors, despite the ice and snow of winter.
"It's so much fun, and the atmosphere is fantastic," a tourist from Hangzhou said.
"We want to experience the vibe of the Asian Winter Games opening ceremony. I'm also a snowboarding enthusiast. Cheer on the Chinese team, and I hope they win!" said a Beijing tourist.
Harbin Ice-Snow World showcases charm of Asian Winter Games
Business leaders from the UK and China gathered in London on Wednesday for a roadshow promoting the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), set to take place in Beijing from July 16 to 20 this year.
The third edition of the CISCE, the world's only national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, comes at a time when evolving global challenges are threatening the resilience of existing supply chains.
The roadshow, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China-Britain Business Council, aimed to strengthen China-UK trade ties and explore new opportunities for supply chain cooperation.
"Our partnership is pivotal for the deeper integration and open development of the world economy," said Yu Jianlong, vice chair of the CCPIT.
Global supply chains allow organizations to produce parts of their goods and services in different locations by linking markets and helping keep costs lower. Yet, as tariffs from the United States, disruption to Red Sea shipping routes and climate change threaten existing networks, businesses are starting to rethink their strategies.
"We need to focus on the 85 percent of global trade that is not affected by the tariffs that will be put up around a certain economy, doing it and others serious damage," said Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council.
This year's CISCE will focus on six areas, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles and digital technology, healthy living and green agriculture, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a prominent theme.
Jack Perry, CEO of the London Export Corporation, emphasized that AI will be an increasingly crucial feature of global supply chains.
"Where's your stock? You're going to be able to find that, how can you monitor it? Every single aspect of the supply chain will be built on blockchain AI facilities. Whoever doesn't adapt to that will be lost," said Jack Perry, CEO of the London Export Corporation.
The roadshow was also a chance for British business leaders who have worked in China to share their experiences.
"It's now increasingly competitive. Local Chinese businesses are stronger. And it's not so easy for foreign firms to do business and succeed there. But as it becomes more sophisticated and more advanced, there are so many more opportunities," said Jeff Astle, director of the London Shanghai Business Center.
Following its inception in 2023 and the success of the 2024 expo, organizers anticipate an even larger event in July. As of February, nearly 200 companies have signed up to participate, according to the CCPIT.
Promotional event on China's supply chain expo held in London
