The vibrant city of Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the ninth edition of the Asian Winter Games starting on February 7. This international event is injecting new energy into the local economy, particularly boosting the tourism and related industries.
Visitors arriving through Harbin Taiping International Airport will immediately notice the festive atmosphere throughout the city. Central Street, one of Harbin's main thoroughfares, is home to a sprawling 2,000-square-meter official Asian Winter Games store. This flagship store can accommodate over 800 shoppers at once, offering a vibrant shopping experience for tourists.
The store boasts approximately 1,500 products across 21 different categories. Shoppers can explore a wide range of items, including mascot figurines, decorations, backpacks, and clothing. Among the best-sellers are products featuring the games' mascots, Binbin and Nini, the Siberian tigers, which have captured the hearts of many visitors.
In addition to the commercial excitement, Harbin is seeing a surge in volunteerism. Many local students have stepped up to volunteer for the Asian Winter Games, taking on roles that range from guiding traffic and providing mobile phone charging stations to distributing hot water and hand warmers to tourists. These volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Harbin.
Speaking to the China Media Group (CMG), several volunteers expressed their happiness in contributing to the Games. They highlighted the satisfaction of making life easier for visitors while also enjoying the unforgettable experiences that come with being part of such a significant international event.
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Harbin ready to make tourists feel at home during Asian Winter Games
cgtn.com
