Harbin Enters Final Preparations for 2025 Asian Winter Games
Harbin, the capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, is entering the final stages of preparations for the 2025 Asian Winter Games, set to commence in a month’s time. The city is buzzing with activity as it hosts a series of test events to ensure a seamless experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Test Events in Full Swing
To date, Harbin has successfully completed seven out of the planned fourteen test events, covering sports such as figure skating, ice hockey, curling, and cross-country skiing. A speed skating test event is scheduled for the upcoming Sunday and Monday, featuring over 65 athletes competing in seven disciplines. These events are crucial in fine-tuning operations ahead of the Games.
Transportation and Arrival Services Enhanced
Organizers report that key preparations are well underway, particularly in enhancing arrival and departure services at airports and train stations. A comprehensive system for managing arrivals and departures was officially launched last month. To accommodate the influx of visitors, railway capacity has been increased, including the addition of three dedicated sightseeing trains. Harbin aims to demonstrate its commitment to making the Games a resounding success.
Extended Visa Policies for International Visitors
In a bid to welcome more international guests, Harbin Taiping International Airport has implemented a 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, extending the original three-day stay to ten days. The number of entry ports where this new policy applies has increased from 39 in 19 provinces to 60 in 24 provinces, allowing transit visa-exempt tourists to move freely across these specified regions during their ten-day stay.
Dedicated Services at Taiping International Airport
As the designated entry and exit hub for the Games, Harbin Taiping International Airport has established a dedicated “Special Asian Winter Games Channel.” The Harbin Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station has deployed guidance officers to assist with expedited clearance for event participants and staff. With an extensive air traffic network that includes 19 international routes connecting to countries and regions such as Russia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, the airport is poised to welcome participants and officials from across the continent. Entry and exit services will commence on January 27th.
Main Media Center Begins Trial Operations
The organizers have also announced that the Main Media Center for the Games has started operations on a trial basis. The facility is divided into two sections: the Main Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcast Center (IBC). The MPC is equipped with nine areas, including a comprehensive service zone, public media workstations, a press conference hall, and interview areas. Meanwhile, the IBC will serve as the technical hub for media organizations and broadcasters.
During the trial period, all aspects of the center’s operations will be tested to ensure readiness. Lyu Zhuangzhi, Media Operations Director for the Harbin Asian Winter Games, expressed confidence in overcoming any challenges. “We will conduct joint debugging and testing of the infrastructure setup. This involves assessing how well different business areas coordinate with one another and whether the services provided can align effectively,” he said. “Once we establish a collaborative dynamic, we aim to create a seamless operational chain. If we encounter any issues, we will address them promptly, ensuring that our operational processes run smoothly and providing satisfactory service to registered media journalists from both China and abroad during the Games.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
