Harbin Prepares for Spectacular Asian Winter Games Opening Ceremony
With less than a month to go, Harbin in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the ninth Asian Winter Games. Scheduled for February 7, the opening ceremony promises to be a breathtaking spectacle that will showcase the enchanting charm of Harbin.
Sha Xiaolan, the chief director of both the opening and closing ceremonies, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming event. “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.”
Having previously directed the ceremonies for the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2022, Sha and his creative team are eager to replicate their past success. “We are now moving on to the next stage, where we will integrate all the segments together for a cohesive performance,” he 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.'”
Sha emphasized that iconic landmarks of Harbin, such as Central Avenue, Ice and Snow World, and Music Square, have deeply inspired the creative team. “These elements will be woven into the fabric of the opening ceremony, serving as both our aesthetic inspiration and foundation,” he explained, “thereby showcasing the enchanting charm of Harbin.”
The Asian Winter Games in Harbin are set to be the largest in the event’s history, with 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and regions registered to participate, including first-time participants Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. The influx of athletes highlights the growing appeal of winter sports across Asia.
As the opening day approaches, anticipation is building not only in Harbin but throughout the continent. The ninth Asian Winter Games promise to unite athletes and spectators in a celebration of sport, culture, and the shared dream of winter.
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Harbin prepares for spectacular Asian Winter Games opening ceremony
cgtn.com
