Harbin Asian Winter Games Torch Relay Concludes Successfully
The 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games Torch Relay, themed "Pengbo," officially kicked off in Harbin on February 3rd, marking the beginning of the Winter Games, which will bring together athletes from across Asia to compete in various ice and snow sports. The torch relay, which lasted for one day, covered a total distance of approximately 11 kilometers and featured 120 torchbearers, ranging in age from 16 to 83 years old. The relay started at the Harbin City Opening-up Site, a historic cultural district in Harbin, and passed through several iconic landmarks, including the Binzhou Railway Bridge, Maolin Park, and Central Street.
3 February 2025
Notably, the torch was designed to symbolize the vibrant and passionate spirit of the Winter Games, with a combination of Chinese red, lilac, and snow-white colors, resembling a blooming lilac flower, representing the beauty and elegance of ice and snow sports. The participation of 120 torchbearers, including Olympic champions such as Shen Xue and Sui Wenjing, underscores the inclusive nature of the event, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the Asian Winter Games. The final leg of the relay concluded at the Songhua River Wetland Park, where Sui Wenjing, the last torchbearer, lit the fire cauldron, officially ending the torch relay.
The torch relay route spanned 11 kilometers, passing through iconic landmarks in Harbin, such as the Central Street, Zhongshan Road, and the scenic banks of the Songhua River. This symbolic journey represents the connection between the city's rich history, cultural heritage, and its status as a hub for winter sports. In addition to the physical torch relay, the games also featured an online torch relay, which was launched on January 20 and allowed people from all over the world to participate and become "digital torchbearers." The online torch relay has garnered widespread participation, allowing global citizens to join in the celebration and creating a buzz around the event.
The successful completion of the torch relay marked an important milestone in the lead-up to the Winter Games, which promises to be an exciting and memorable event for athletes, spectators, and the city of Harbin alike. As the torch relay comes to a close, the stage is set for the official opening ceremony, which promises to be a spectacular display of culture, music, and athleticism. The lighting of the main torch tower on February 7 will mark the beginning of the Games, and the flame will continue to burn brightly until the closing ceremony, symbolizing the passion and dedication of the athletes, organizers, and fans alike. With the torch relay underway, the city of Harbin is bracing itself for an unforgettable experience, one that will leave a lasting impression on all who participate, and as the games' slogan "Ice and Snow, Asian Heart" resonates deeply with the people of Harbin, who are eager to share their passion for winter sports with the rest of the world.
