Published: 20:46, February 7, 2025 | Updated: 11:06, February 8, 2025
Ahead of a grand opening
By Xinhua
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

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.

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

Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Artists perform prior to the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Feb 7, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)