9th Asian Winter Games Usher in Record Participation and Celebrate Ice and Snow Legacy

A Celebration of Ice, Snow, and Unity

Chinese President Xi Jinping officially opened the 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) in Harbin on February 7, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center, was a vibrant celebration of the city's rich ice and snow culture.

Around 8,000 spectators cheered as President Xi declared the Games open, joined by dignitaries including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. The ceremony reached its climax when four torchbearers, including Olympic champions Yang Yang and Han Xiaopeng, lit the lilac-shaped cauldron at the Harbin Ice and Snow World.

With the slogan "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," the Harbin Games mark another major international winter sports event hosted by China following the successful Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. It is also the country's third time hosting the AWG, after Harbin 1996 and Changchun 2007.

A record 34 countries and regions are participating in Harbin 2025, surpassing the previous high set at the 8th AWG in Sapporo, Japan in 2017. Over 1,200 athletes are competing in ice events in Harbin and snow events in Yabuli, marking an increase from the previous record of 1,147 at the Sapporo AWG.

The opening ceremony featured a spectacular gala performance, framed by children's dreams of inspiration, pursuit, and fulfillment. The performance showcased the thrill of winter sports, a joyful ice carnival, and vibrant Asian dances, culminating in a unifying "Asian balcony concert."

As the main cauldron ignited and the theme song "Light up Asia" filled the air, ice sculptures representing Asian nations and regions glowed throughout the Ice and Snow World. Each masterpiece symbolized unity and friendship, transforming the venue into a radiant tribute to the Asian Winter Games' glory and triumph.