February 12 was a dazzling night in Harbin as the city hosted the Lantern Festival, culminating the Chinese New Year celebrations and the grand opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games. This vibrant event, co-hosted by CGTN and the Heilongjiang branch of China Media Group, brought together athletes, delegation members, and media representatives from across Asia to celebrate tradition and culture.
The festival featured a stunning array of traditional cultural performances and interactive folk customs. Participants immersed themselves in making and tasting tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), solving lantern riddles, and enjoying the rich heritage showcased through Chinese calligraphy, fish-skin painting, lacquerware, and performances of Guzheng and Guqin. The exhibition offered a deep dive into China's artistic traditions, captivating all who attended.
The energy was electric with traditional dance performances like the Long Drum Dance and Northeast Yangko Dance. International guests joined in the fun, learning to play drums and dance the Yangko, blending old and new in a harmonious celebration. A futuristic touch was added by a patrolling robot dog, which fascinated many and highlighted the blend of tradition and technology.
Notable attendees included Ho Zhen Ting, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia; Zhou Jian, director of media and broadcast for the Olympic Council of Asia; and Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, deputy to the National People's Congress and head of the Hong Kong, China delegation. Delegations from nine countries and regions, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia, joined over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions, making this the largest edition of the Asian Winter Games in history.
This year marked a historic moment with the participation of athletes from Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and other nations, with Saudi Arabia set to host the next Winter Games. The Lantern Festival provided a unique platform for cultural exchange, fostering friendships and understanding among diverse backgrounds. Harbin not only showcased its winter splendor but also its rich cultural tapestry, making the 2025 Asian Winter Games a memorable celebration of unity and tradition.
Reference(s):
Lantern Festival celebrated at Asian Winter Games in Harbin, NE China
cgtn.com
