MKsports Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on February 6, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizing committee" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-06/4b30352d-1769-437f-86c4-a1ae1ce493f3.jpeg" />

Chinese skaters attend a training session ahead of the short track speed skating competition at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on February 6, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizing committee

The opening and closing ceremonies of the 9th Asian Winter Games will feature a groundbreaking design with a main venue and a branch venue presentation, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience, according to a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Harbin Asian Winter Games organizing committee on Thursday in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The preparations for the opening ceremony are now complete. The artistic performance of the opening ceremony will be themed after the official slogan of the Games, "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia." Technological means will be used to provide audiences with an immersive panoramic experience, Zhou Wei, deputy director of the Ceremonies and Events Department of the Harbin Games organizing committee, said at the briefing. 

The biggest highlight of the opening and closing ceremonies is the creative design combining the main and branch venues. The main venue is located at the Harbin International Exhibition Center, and the branch venue is at Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world's largest ice and snow theme park, Zhou said.

The performances at both venues are set to be synchronized in real time, allowing the entire city of Harbin to celebrate together while fostering a sense of unity and resonance among people across Asia. 

One of the most innovative and distinctive highlights will be the flame-lighting ceremony, which is expected to leave a lasting impression on audiences, according to the briefing.

The flame-lighting ritual has always been the focus of international multi-sport events. The use of digital technology and visual effects such as virtual augmented reality will add a high-tech touch to the ritual. This dual-venue approach will not only showcase Harbin's rich ice and snow culture but also amplify the festive atmosphere, making the event a memorable celebration for both the city and the Asian community, Liu Yu, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times. 

The opening ceremony, which will take place on Friday evening, is scheduled to last approximately 80 minutes, with the ceremonial session taking about 50 minutes and the artistic performance as well as the flame-lighting ceremony lasting around 30 minutes, Zhou noted.

The artistic performance is designed around the geographic progression of Harbin, China and Asia. The first part, set in the ice city of Harbin, tells the story of the spiritual strength and passion of ice and snow culture. The second part, which expands to all of China, focuses on the thrilling speed of winter sports and the national enthusiasm for them. The final part, focusing on Asia, highlights the emotional connection and solidarity of shared dreams in ice and snow, and the spirit of walking hand in hand toward the future, according to Zhou.

The ceremony will see the largest number of delegations in the parade in the history of the event. 

Bai Zhiguo, chief spokesperson of the Harbin Games organizing committee, said at the briefing that Harbin 2025 will see a record participation of over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia, including Cambodia and Saudi Arabia, which will make their debut at the Asian Winter Games.

Husain Al Musallam, director general of OCA, said at the briefing that Harbin did a great job preparing the city and meeting all the Games' requirements in a very short time. 

"The Harbin Games will be a platform for Asian athletes to qualify for the Winter Olympics in different sports, which will prepare Asian athletes to perform and compete at a high level for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games," said Al Musallam.

China's star speed skater Ning Zhongyan and free skier Liu Mengting have been named as the Chinese delegation's flagbearers for the opening ceremony. 

The ice hockey and curling competitions kicked off on Monday and Tuesday respectively. The short track speed skating events will begin on Friday, and the first gold medal will be awarded on Saturday morning.