The 9th Asian Winter Games opening ceremony was held on Friday evening in Harbin, capital city of China's Heilongjiang province.

Over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will compete in the Games, making this edition the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

READ MORE: Harbin to host Asian Winter Games for second time after 29 years

The Harbin Asian Winter Games, which serves as a valuable training opportunity for Asian countries and regions ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, will take place from February 7 to 14.