A Winter Wonderland Awaits
Harbin, a city in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is gearing up for the 9th Asian Winter Games, set to begin in less than 30 days. With its rich ice and snow resources and diverse winter activities, Harbin is a top winter travel destination in China, attracting global attention once again.
A Frozen Paradise
The Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park, is a must-visit for tourists. Spanning nearly 1 million square meters and utilizing 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, the park opened its doors on December 21, 2024, with eager visitors lining up as early as 3 am to experience its magic.
This year, the park also serves as a sub-venue for the Asian Winter Games opening ceremony. The theme, "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," reflects the spirit of the Games and the park itself.
"We're proud to host the Asian Winter Games," said Cong Peiyu, director of the Design and Research & Development Department of the Harbin Ice-Snow World. "It's a chance to showcase our ice and snow culture, art, and infrastructure, and boost winter tourism."
Artistic Excellence and Timeless Heritage
Harbin's ice and snow artistry is renowned, with the park boasting 40 national-level patents. Visitors can expect surprises throughout their journey, discovering elements of the Games and iconic landmarks from participating countries.
The 51st Harbin ice lantern fair, held in Zhaolin Park, celebrates the city's rich history with ice lanterns. The fair features iconic works from previous years, a section dedicated to the Games, and competitions showcasing the artistry of professionals, universities, and youth.
"Ice and snow sculptures are ephemeral, yet their artistic spirit is timeless," said Cong. "These activities are integral to Harbin's people, and with the growing popularity of ice and snow tourism and sports, this art will continue to evolve."
A Beacon of Winter Tourism
The Asian Winter Games are a significant opportunity for Harbin. Zhang Yi, CEO of the iiMedia Research Institute, believes the event will elevate the city's tourism and ice and snow economy, enhancing its image and service standards.
Harbin, with its unique blend of culture, creativity, and collaboration, is a city that continues to attract and inspire. From its beginnings as the birthplace of ice lantern art to its status as a top winter tourism destination, Harbin is a testament to the enduring power of ice and snow. As the city prepares to host the 9th Asian Winter Games, it is poised to celebrate its history and embrace a bright future.
9 Comments
BuggaBoom
This article has inspired me to visit Harbin and experience its winter wonderland for myself. I can't wait to explore the city and immerse myself in its culture.
Noir Black
Harbin is a city that truly knows how to embrace the winter season. I admire their dedication to creating a magical and unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.
Eugene Alta
I'm not sure if the Asian Winter Games will benefit all residents of Harbin equally. There is a risk that only certain groups will reap the economic benefits of the event.
KittyKat
I'm concerned about the environmental impact of the ice-and-snow theme park. Building such a large structure using ice and snow seems wasteful and unsustainable.
Loubianka
While I appreciate the artistry of the ice and snow sculptures, I wonder if the resources used to create them could be better utilized elsewhere. Perhaps they could be used to address more pressing issues such as poverty or homelessness.
Donatello
The Asian Winter Games are a huge event that will inevitably lead to increased tourism. I'm worried about the negative impact this will have on the local environment and cultural heritage.
Raphael
I'm not sure if the Asian Winter Games will be a good investment for Harbin. The costs of hosting such an event can be significant, and there is no guarantee that the city will see a return on its investment.
Michelangelo
I'm concerned about the safety of the ice-and-snow sculptures, especially with the large crowds expected during the Games. I hope that the organizers have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of visitors.
Stan Marsh
I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Harbin's fascinating ice and snow culture. This article has truly opened my eyes to its beauty and significance.