With just one month to go until the 2025 Asian Winter Games, Harbin in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province is entering the final stages of preparation. The city is buzzing with activity as it hosts a series of test events to ensure everything runs smoothly when the Games begin.
Harbin has successfully completed seven out of 14 planned test events, including figure skating, ice hockey, and curling. On Tuesday, attention turned to cross-country skiing, while a speed skating test event is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, featuring over 65 athletes competing in seven disciplines.
Organizers report that key preparations are well underway. Arrival and departure services have been established at airports and train stations, with a system officially launched last month. To enhance transportation, railway capacity has been increased, including three dedicated sightseeing trains, showcasing Harbin’s commitment to making the Games a success.
Harbin Taiping International Airport has implemented a 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, extending the original three-day stay to ten days. The number of entry ports where the new policy applies has increased from 39 in 19 provinces to 60 in 24 provinces, allowing transit visa-exempt tourists to move freely across these specified provincial-level regions during their 10-day stay.
In the lead-up to the Games, Taiping International Airport, the designated entry and exit hub for the event, has set up a dedicated “Special Asian Winter Games Channel”. The Harbin Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station has deployed guidance officers to assist with expedited clearance for event participants and staff.
Featuring an extensive air traffic network with 19 international routes connecting to Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries and regions, the airport is poised to welcome participants and officials from across the continent. The entry and exit services begin on January 27th.
The organizers also announced that the Main Media Center for the Games has started operations on a trial basis. The facility is divided into two sections: the Main Press Center and the International Broadcast Center. The MPC is equipped with nine areas, including a comprehensive service zone, public media workstations, a press conference hall, and interview areas. Meanwhile, the IBC will act as the technical hub for media organizations and broadcasters.
During this trial period, all aspects of operations are being tested. Organizers are confident that any challenges will be met. “We will conduct joint debugging and testing of the infrastructure setup,” said Lyu Zhuangzhi, Media Operations Director for the Harbin Asian Winter Games. “This involves assessing how well different business areas coordinate with one another and whether the services provided can align effectively.”
“Once we establish a collaborative dynamic, we aim to create a seamless operational chain. If we encounter any issues, we will address them promptly, ensuring that our processes run smoothly and providing satisfactory service to registered media journalists from both China and abroad during the Games,” Lyu added.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
