The 9th Asian Winter Games officially opened in Harbin, the Chinese mainland’s renowned “Ice City,” on February 7, 2025. The opening ceremony featured a breathtaking artistic performance titled “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” captivating audiences with its display of ice and snow culture.
The 22-minute performance was divided into three chapters, progressing from Harbin to other parts of China, and finally to Asia. It showcased Harbin’s rich ice and snow heritage, China’s enthusiasm for ice and snow sports, and the strong bonds shared among Asian nations through these activities.
Running from February 7 to 14, the Games mark the third time the Chinese mainland has hosted the Asian Winter Games, following Harbin in 1996 and Changchun in 2007. A record-breaking 34 countries and regions, with over 1,200 athletes, are participating in Harbin 2025, surpassing the previous high set at the 8th Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, in 2017.
Participants and spectators alike are eager to witness thrilling competitions across various winter sports disciplines as the Games promote unity and sportsmanship throughout the continent.
