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Silver medalists Xing Jianing (left) and Ren Junfei (second from left) of China pose for a photo with gold and bronze medalists from Japan after the ice dance figure skating event at the Harbin Asian Winter Games on February 12, 2025. Photo: VCG

The 9th Asian Winter Games officially concluded in Harbin, the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Friday. This grand event marks yet another major ice and snow celebration in China following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. This year's Games was characterized by record participation, cross-regional cultural resonance, and the strengthening of friendly ties between Asian countries. 

This year's Games is the third time China has hosted the event, following Harbin in 1996 and another in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin Province, in 1997.

According to the Games' organizing committee, 34 countries and regions, along with 1,275 athletes, participated in the event this year, setting a record for the highest number of participants in the history of the event. Cambodia and Saudi Arabia made their debut in the Asian Winter Games.

Coming from tropical, temperate, or polar regions, or from deserts, rainforests, or beaches, athletes from across Asia gathered in Harbin to compete amid an atmosphere of friendliness, harmony, and inclusiveness, immersing themselves in the joy of ice and snow.

The Games also witnessed breakthrough moments for Asian athletes. On February 8, Chinese cross-country skier Li Lei clinched the women's sprint classic title, marking China's 100th gold medal in the history of the Asian Winter Games, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

In the final of the men's slope style freestyle skiing at the Games, Thai athlete Paul Henry Vienne earned a bronze medal with a score of 85.25, which was also the first medal in Thailand's history at the Games, according to China Central Television.

The event provided new opportunities for technological innovation and economic cooperation among Asian countries. 

This year's Games was the first Asian Winter Games to achieve 100 percent green electricity supply during the construction and renovation of competition venues and supporting facilities. All five venues for the ice events were upgraded using existing facilities with an emphasis on "energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low carbon emissions," according to the organizing committee. 

With the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, more foreign tourists are coming to China to experience the charm of ice and snow, injecting new momentum into the global tourism market. 

It is predicted that by 2030, the scale of China's ice and snow economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($200 billion), opening new avenues for economic development in Asia and the world, according to Xinhua.

More importantly, the warm and friendly scenes at the Games made it a "grand gathering" for Asia. After a short track speed skating preliminary round on February 7, the Chinese and South Korean teams engaged in a friendly interaction during warm-ups, which was captured by cameras and received many likes online. 

In Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park, ice sculptures of Asian landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven in China and the Grand Palace in Thailand, were crystal clear and sparkling. Many tourists came to take photos, and the Thai ice hockey team also made a special trip to take pictures as a memento.

The ice and snow sports brought together countries in Asia, showcasing the unity, confidence, harmony, and hope of the continent. Although the Games has come to an end and the ice and snow in Harbin will eventually melt, the flame of hope ignited in the event will continue to shine brightly over Asia for a long time.

Global Times

Volunteers for the Harbin Asian Winter Games pose for a photo with service personnel on their returning train on February 12, 2025. Photo: VCG

Athletes compete in the speed skating women's 3000-meter relay during the Harbin Asian Winter Games on February 9, 2025. Photo: VCG

Chinese athlete Yang Ruyi competes in the women's freeski slope style final at the Harbin Asian Winter Games in Yabuli, Heilongjiang Province, on February 11, 2025. Photo: Chen Tao/GT

Athletes compete in the women's 3000-meter relay final at Harbin Asian Winter Games in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on February 9, 2025. Photo: Chen Tao/GT

A pottery carving master demonstrates his craftsmanship at an intangible cultural heritage exhibition during the Harbin Asian Winter Games on February 6, 2025. Photo: VCG

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice and Snow World on January 29, 2025. Photo: VCG

 

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