New disciplines
The Harbin Games also serves as a critical stepping stone for Asia's top winter athletes preparing for the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics.
"The Harbin Games is not just a competition, but an important trial run for our winter Olympic athletes. We aim for a dual victory in both athletic achievement and sportsmanship," Zhou said.
With the expansion of events, the 2025 Games will include several new disciplines, including those in speed skating, short-track skating, and ski mountaineering.
Notably, ski mountaineering will feature in the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, positioning the Asian Winter Games as a testing ground for athletes vying for Olympic medals in this new discipline.
The Games will see five Harbin venues dedicated to ice events, while eight venues in Yabuli will accommodate snow-based competitions.
By September 2024, all venues had passed inspections and are now undergoing testing events until January, to ensure that they meet international standards.
To maintain a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach in hosting the Games, Harbin has focused on reusing and upgrading existing facilities rather than building new ones.
All the 13 venues were renovated incorporating sustainable materials and low-carbon technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Han Shengjian, vice governor of Heilongjiang and vice chairman of the Harbin 2025 organizers, noted at the press conference that the renovations are not only economical but also represent a sustainable legacy for the community.
"We aim to create a lasting impact with facilities that will continue to serve athletes, the public, and tourism well beyond the Games," Han said.
The torch relay of the Harbin Asian Winter Games will kick off in January, with a streamlined route and fewer torchbearers to reduce disruptions, organizers said.
The scenic Songhua River will serve as the backdrop for key segments of the relay, allowing the event to showcase Harbin's cultural and natural beauty while minimizing impact on the local community.
For the opening and closing ceremonies, the duration and scale of performances have been optimized. "Our goal is to be thoughtful without extravagance, keeping things simple yet impactful; frugal yet magnificent," said Wang Hesheng, mayor of Harbin.
Heilongjiang, a traditional winter sports powerhouse in China, prioritizes winter sport development at the grass-roots level.
The province has engaged millions of youth in winter sports over the years, generating a robust pipeline of young talent, Han said.
One of the prominent examples is Qitaihe, a city that boasts several world champions, including China's first Winter Olympic gold medalist Yang Yang and four-time gold medalist Wang Meng.
"We are working to summarize and promote the 'Qitaihe model' and to develop policies that deepen the integration of sports and education," Han said.
"This includes setting up pilot sites across the province to build a scientific system for identifying, selecting, and recommending talents, expanding the reserve talent pool."
