'Ice City' feels heat of anticipation

With mascots greeting visitors, and sports venues primed for action, the "Ice City" of Harbin is all dressed up and ready to be a warm and generous host of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

With just two days to go until the continental winter sports jamboree kicks off, the already popular tourism destination in Northeast China is bursting with excitement, ready to enjoy a special winter flourish to see out the season. Preparations have entered the home stretch, as the Asian Winter Games will open for a second time in the Heilongjiang provincial capital in spectacular fashion on Feb 7.

Relying on its abundant winter sports facilities, and prior experience of staging the gala event in 1996, Harbin is pushing ahead in full confidence that its encore as a host will help cement its status as an international sports and winter tourism wonderland, not just at home, but globally, according to organizers.

"With full support from the government, the public and all shareholders, we've moved into the home stretch of preparations," said Han Shengjian, vice-governor of Heilongjiang and vice-president of the Harbin organizing committee. "We are committed to hosting a world-class event representing the Asian spirit and Chinese style to promote winter sports across Asia, as well as the unique charm of Harbin."

"I believe, with all our effort, the city of Harbin will build an excellent stage for Asia's best winter sports athletes to demonstrate their talent and present ice and snow sports fans with an unforgettable treat," added Li Guang, competition director of the organizing committee.

The 2025 Harbin edition will mark the biggest representation across Asia, with 34 countries and regions — the most in the gala event's history — having confirmed their entries, including debutants Cambodia and Saudi Arabia.

A total of 1,275 athletes, according to the organizing committee, have signed up to compete in 64 medal events across six sports through Feb 14.