The flame for the 2025 Asian Winter Games was ignited at Sun Island Park in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Monday. The ceremony coincided with “Major Cold,” the last of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking a meaningful transition ahead of the Lunar New Year.
The selection of this date holds special significance. “Major Cold” represents the coldest period of the year, but it’s also the prelude to a new beginning. Organizers saw it as the perfect moment to symbolize the warmth and unity that the Games aim to bring to athletes and fans across Asia.
“On Major Cold Day, using the water of the Songhua River and sunlight, together we created the light of the Harbin Asian Winter Games,” said Tong Xiaoyu, Deputy Director of the Torch Relay Operations Office. “The flame expresses enthusiasm for winter sports and honors friendships among athletes from Asia, as they gather in Harbin to compete and cooperate.”
The venue, Sun Island Park, was intentionally chosen to highlight the harmony between humanity and nature. “Sun Island shares the ‘Sun’ theme we want to use for the Asian Winter Games,” explained Wang Zheng, Chief Director of the Flame Lighting Ceremony. “With the Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair ongoing, we’re combining the lighting ceremony with the natural landscape to showcase Harbin’s scenery and cultural customs.”
The Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair, now in its 37th year, is renowned as the birthplace of snow sculpture art in China. The event features intricate snow sculptures and a giant snowman, adding to the festive atmosphere as the city prepares to host athletes from across Asia.
The lighting of the flame marks the official countdown to the 2025 Asian Winter Games. As Harbin embraces this significant event, the city is set to become a hub of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and unity among nations.
Reference(s):
Harbin 2025 organizers talk flame lighting ceremony timing, location
cgtn.com
