Harbin, a city synonymous with ice and snow culture, marked its return to the global winter sports stage by hosting the 9th Asian Winter Games for the first time in 29 years. The opening ceremony's dramatic cauldron lighting at the Harbin Ice-Snow World—the world's largest ice-and-snow theme park—featured a star-studded cast of Chinese Olympic champions, symbolizing unity and resilience.
Short track legend Yang Yang, freestyle skier Han Xiaopeng, race walker Wang Zhen, and speed skater Zhang Hong ignited a lilac-shaped cauldron alongside children carrying ice lanterns, blending tradition with modernity. The Games' flame, lit on January 20 at Harbin's Sun Island Scenic Area, embarked on a 120-torchbearer relay through iconic locales like Central Street and the frozen Songhua River.
During the athletes' parade, speed skater Ning Zhongyan and rising freeski talent Liu Mengting led China’s delegation, which entered last as hosts. Over 1,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are competing, spotlighting Asia's growing influence in winter sports ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
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Harbin hosts Asian Winter Games for second time after 29 years
cgtn.com
