File photo of "Binbin" and "Nini", the mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games, Harbin, China's Heilongjiang Province. /CFP
With Thursday marking the 50-day countdown to February's Harbin Asian Winter Games, preparations in the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have entered the final stages and the atmosphere has become increasingly vibrant, as elements promoting the ninth edition of the continental event are highly visible across the host city.
In locations like Harbin's airport, railway station, and Central Street, Asian Winter Games mascots "Binbin" and "Nini" have become popular photo spots, attracting both local residents and visiting tourists to snap shots. And along multiple roads in the urban area, the event's emblems, slogans, and banners are on display in various forms, leaving a deep impression on visitors. The organizers have installed more than 9,000 pairs of flag poles on 94 main streets, and plan to set up 60 ice lantern exhibits across the host city during the winter season. In addition, 1,845 officially licensed Asian Winter Games products have been developed, with sales exceeding 300 million yuan, and the product categories covering 18 major varieties.
The Games are scheduled to take place from February 7 to February 14, 2025.