Torch Relay Set to Kick Off the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin

An aerial photograph taken on January 27, 2025, depicts the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center's Multifunctional Hall located in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, in northeast China. Approaching the official opening of the 9th Asian Winter Games, set to begin on February 7, the celebrations will begin with the torch relay event on Monday in what's fondly termed the "Ice City."

Li Na, who leads the Torchbearer and Volunteer Management Team for the Torch Relay Command Center, has announced that the relay will take place over the course of a single day, spanning approximately 11 kilometers. The event will include both a launch and closing ceremony, as well as various community performances along the route.

Emphasizing values of inclusivity, representation, and fairness, the selection process for torchbearers involved multiple stakeholders including the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the Chinese Olympic Committee, the organizing committee for the AWG, and various local representatives from Heilongjiang Province. A total of 120 torchbearers have been chosen to take part in this celebratory event.

The planned route for the torch relay is designed to be simple yet visually engaging, ensuring safety while showcasing Harbin's stunning natural scenery, cultural heritage, and urban allure. The upcoming Asian Winter Games will be the largest to date, featuring over 1,270 athletes representing 34 different countries and regions across Asia participating from February 7 to 14.