'Ice City' warms up for winter Games

With mascots greeting visitors and competition venues prepared in optimal conditions, "Ice City" Harbin launched its one-month countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games on Tuesday.

Already a popular tourism destination in Northeast China, the capital of Heilongjiang province is buzzing with more excitement this winter as it enters the homestretch of preparations for hosting the Games, which will open on Feb 7.

Relying on its abundant winter sports facilities and the rich experience gathered when hosting the event for the first time in 1996, the city is confidently pushing ahead with the final preparations, according to the organizing committee.

Harbin's encore as a host will help cement its status as an international sports hub and winter tourism wonderland for both domestic and overseas visitors, it said.

"I believe with all our efforts, the city will build an excellent stage for Asia's best winter sports athletes to demonstrate their talent and present ice and snow sports fans with an unforgettable treat," Li Guang, competition director of the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee, said at a news conference on Tuesday.

The 2025 Harbin edition of the Games will mark the largest representation of Asian countries and regions, with 34 national Olympic committees — the most in the event's history — having confirmed their participation, including Cambodia and Saudi Arabia, which are taking part for the first time.