Harbin prepares for spectacular Asian Winter Games opening ceremony

The ninth Asian Winter Games is less than a month away from taking place in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As the chief director of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the program, Sha Xiaolan promised audience a spectacular show on February 7.

"The overall progress has been very smooth," Sha told China Media Group (CMG). "We started rehearsals for individual segments at the main venue in December, and I'm pleased to say that this phase has been successfully completed."

Sha and his creative team were in charge of the two ceremonies for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2022. After doing an excellent job three years ago, they wanted to repeat that glory at the Asian Winter Games.

"We are now moving on to the next stage, where we will integrate all the segments together for a cohesive performance," Sha said. "Our aim is to present a simple, yet spectacular and safe opening ceremony that resonates with the theme of this event: 'Dream of Winter, Love among Asia.' Notably, iconic landmarks of Harbin, such as the Central Avenue, Ice and Snow World, and Music Square, have left a profound impression on our creative team. These elements will be woven into the fabric of the opening ceremony, serving as both our aesthetic inspiration and foundation, thereby showcasing the enchanting charm of Harbin."

A total of 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and regions, including Cambodia and Saudi Arabia for their Asian Winter Games debut, have registered for Harbin 2025. It is likely to have the most participants ever in the history of the event.