International athletes arrive at Harbin February 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

HARBIN - As preparations for the ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin enter the final stretch, public enthusiasm for winter sports in the "Ice City" has reached a new peak.

This marks the second time the northeastern Chinese city hosts the event, following its staging of the third edition in 1996.

Bai Zhiguo, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee and director of the Harbin Sports Bureau, said that over 300 mass winter sports events are scheduled this winter, attracting tourists from home and abroad.

He added that the city has designed 10 themed travel routes under the title "Travel with the Games," linking Asian Winter Games competition venues with winter sports activities and tourist attractions.

Wang Keshuai, deputy director of the Yabuli competition venue, noted that in addition to the 32 official events during the Games, the venue will also host more than 20 professional and mass events, aiming to boost Yabuli's reputation.

He emphasized that actively hosting high-level ice and snow competitions helps accelerate infrastructure upgrades and diversify the range of winter tourism products.

The ninth Asian Winter Games will take place in Harbin from Feb. 7 to 14. Over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will participate, making this edition the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.