The city of Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is finalizing preparations for the ninth Asian Winter Games, set to commence on February 7. As the chief director of both the opening and closing ceremonies, Sha Xiaolan has promised audiences a spectacular show.
"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, renowned for their work on the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2022, are aiming to recreate that magic in Harbin. "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.'"
Iconic landmarks of Harbin, such as Central Avenue, Ice and Snow World, and Music Square, have significantly influenced the creative team's vision. "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," Sha added.
A total of 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and regions have registered for Harbin 2025, including first-time participants Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. The upcoming games are poised to have the most participants in the event's history, highlighting the growing prominence of winter sports across Asia.
Reference(s):
Harbin prepares for spectacular Asian Winter Games opening ceremony
cgtn.com
