The 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) officially began on February 7, 2025, in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China. Known as the “Ice Capital” of China, Harbin showcased its charm with an opening ceremony blending culture, technology, and winter sports.
Starting at 8:00 PM, the event kicked off with a mesmerizing performance that reflected the city’s unique identity. Harbin, which previously hosted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, again welcomed athletes and spectators from all over Asia and the world.
This year’s theme, “Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia,” set the tone for the ceremony. It began with a prologue, Ice Lanterns, telling the story of a young girl’s journey through a magical icy world. The ceremony featured traditional elements, a gala performance, and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. For the first time, the event was held across two locations: the main venue at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition, and Sports Centre and a sub-venue at Harbin Ice and Snow World. These venues worked in sync to create a stunning visual experience centered around ice and snow.
Harbin’s cultural landmarks, such as Central Street and Ice and Snow World, played a key role in the event. The ceremony highlighted the city’s cultural heritage while blending it with modern art and technology, offering a fresh global perspective on traditional culture. Athletes, dressed in their national attire, added vibrancy to the celebration, symbolizing the unity of Asia.
The event also stood out for its use of advanced technologies. Augmented reality (AR), glasses-free 3D visuals, and ultra-high-definition immersive screens transformed the venue into a dynamic ice wonderland. Virtual reality (VR) and ultra-HD cameras enhanced the viewing experience, making the ceremony accessible to a global audience online. This fusion of creativity and innovation created a memorable spectacle for everyone, both in the stadium and watching remotely.
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