Tradition Meets Innovation at Winter Games Cultural Event
The 2025 Asian Winter Games host city Harbin dazzled international guests this week with a Lantern Festival celebration blending ancient customs and futuristic tech. Athletes from 34 countries and regions joined media representatives and delegates in making tangyuan sweet dumplings, solving lantern riddles, and exploring China's intangible cultural heritage exhibits.
A robotic patrol dog became the surprise star of the event, drawing crowds as it navigated traditional dance performances of Long Drum and Northeast Yangko. \"Seeing our athletes learn drumming alongside AI technology perfectly captures Asia's spirit of innovation,\" said Ho Zhen Ting, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia.
The record-breaking Games, featuring first-time participants from Saudi Arabia and Cambodia, saw over 40 delegates from 9 countries and regions engage in cultural exchanges. Hong Kong delegation head Kenneth Fok Kai-kong noted: \"These moments remind us how sports transcend borders.\"
With 1,270+ athletes registered, this year's event marks Asia's largest winter sports gathering while spotlighting China's rich artistic traditions – from fish-skin painting to classical Guzheng performances – through interactive experiences.
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Lantern Festival celebrated at Asian Winter Games in Harbin, NE China
cgtn.com
