The 30-day countdown for the 14th National Winter Games started on Thursday with multiple themed events in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Scheduled to take place from February 17 to 27, the event will officially kick off on February 17 in Hulun Buir.

Residents in Hulun Buir tried snowmobiling and ice-bicycling, while athletes skied with children in Liangcheng County. Organizers also set up competitions for amateurs last weekend, attracting more than 400 ice and snow sport fans to put their own skills to the test in speed skating and the cross-country skiing in Hohhot. Some junior athletes got a head start before the official opening of the Games, including speed skaters and short track speed skaters, with 38 of the 176 events already completed.