Feature: Thailand's twice Olympian skier Chanloung eager to inspire new generation Thailand's cross-country skier Mark Chanloung is once again competing in China at the Asian Winter Games, three years after making history with his family at the Beijing Winter Olympics. In 2022, Mark and his sister, Karen Chanloung, represented Thailand in cross-country skiing competition. Their father Boonchan Chanloung was then a team manager, and their mother was a physiotherapist. Their family's Olympic journey, including the PyeongChang 2018, captivated Thailand, a tropical nation where winter sports are virtually unknown. How does a tropical nation with an average temperature of nearly 30 degrees Celsius develop a pool of cross-country skiers? The key lies in an ambitious initiative by Thailand's sports department. "Thailand has no snow, but that doesn't mean we have no place in winter sports," said Taratip Chantawat, deputy head of the Thai delegation. "For us, winter sports represent an opportunity, and we want our children to have the same opportunities as children from other countries." Since 2018, Thailand has fostered an interest in winter sports through roller skiing programs in various clubs. Promising young athletes are then selected and sent to Europe, South Korea and other locations for specialized training in events like cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing during the snow season. #Harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #icecity #snowcity #wintercity #AsianWinterGames #Thailand #iceandsnow #icecity #skiing

GLOBALink | Thai Olympic official: Asian Winter Games a bridge for culture exchange Dr. Supitr Samahito, vice president of the Thai Olympic Committee, said in an interview that Asian Winter Games in Harbin have emerged as a powerful bridge for culture exchange across Asia, serving as a universal language that transcends borders. She said sports play a vital role in fostering cultural connections between countries and regions. #Harbin2025 #Harbin #discoverharbin #harbinchina #AsianWinterGames #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #Asia

The 9th Asian Winter Games has kicked off in Harbin. As a city renowned for its ice and snow culture, Harbin continues to captivate visitors with its stunning scenery and rich traditions. Tourists from around the globe are flocking to the "Ice City" to witness thrilling competitions, enjoy winter sports, and experience the vibrant charm of China. Let's hear how international guests are experiencing "Erbin"! #Harbin2025 #Harbin #discoverharbin #harbinchina #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #wintercity #Foreigners

A Kiss of Passion, Never a Farewell Do you remember the girl who kissed the ice surface at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics? That kiss carried not just regret but also love for the sport and hope for the future. On December 9, 2023, at the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating event in Beijing, Fan Kexin kissed the ice surface before stepping onto the podium to receive her silver medal, saying, "I love this ice so much! It feels like being back in 2022." This year, China's team, featuring Fan Kexin, Gong Li, Wang Xinran, and Zhang Chutong, claimed gold in the short track speed skating women's 3000m relay final at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. Once again, Fan kissed the ice surface after winning. From the 2022 Beijing Olympics to the 2023 World Cup and now the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games, Fan Kexin has kissed the ice surface three times—each time fighting her way from bronze to silver to gold. Because of love, she persists. Because of persistence, she triumphs! #Harbin2025 #Harbin #discoverharbin #harbinchina #AsianWinterGames #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #wintercity #speedskating

On February 8, China's Zhang Xiaonan claimed gold in the women's snowboard slopestyle final at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Yabuli. Congratulations! #Harbin2025 #Harbin #discoverharbin #harbinchina #AsianWinterGames #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #wintercity

Xu Mengtao wins Freestyle Skiing women's aerials China's Xu Mengtao clinched victory in the Freestyle Skiing women's aerials at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. Congratulations! #Harbin2025 #Harbin #discoverharbin #harbinchina #freestyleskiing #AsianWinterGames #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #wintercity

On February 8, China's Gao Tingyu secured the gold medal in the speed skating men's 100m final at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. After his victory, he proudly raised the national flag, his face beaming with pride! Congratulations! #Harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #AsianWinterGames #speedskating #iceandsnow #icecity #snowcity #wintercity

Lin Xiaojun triumphs in short track men's 500m at Asian Winter Games! China's Lin Xiaojun secured the gold medal in the short track men's 500m at the Asian Winter Games, marking the first gold medal for China's short track speed skating team. Congratulations! #Harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #AsianWinterGames #ChineseAthletes #speedskating #iceandsnow #wintercity #icecity #snowcity

Look! The "tech vibe" of the Asian Winter Games The 9th Asian Winter Games is underway in Harbin. To welcome athletes and visitors from around the world, the local government created a full "atmosphere" through technological empowerment. The "Music Highway" on the Asia Snow Highway. The Heilongjiang Provincial Highway Construction Center has transformed selected melodies into simulation files for a musical road. By adjusting the spacing of grooves on the road surface according to different rhythms, vehicles passing at a specific speed create beautiful music through vibrations. A torch full of technology. The Asian Winter Games torch features a transparent ice-crystal design with a snow-white gradient. When ignited, its core creates a mesmerizing fusion of ice and fire. This innovative design highlights Harbin's vibrant energy and cutting-edge appeal. A smart power grid for seamless operations. To ensure reliable power supply during the Games, the State Grid Heilongjiang Power Construction Digital Power Supply Command Platform enables real-time monitoring of 52 substations, 158 transmission lines, and 435 distribution stations by integrating data from over 14 grid management systems. This ensures a steady flow of energy for security, emergency response, and information management throughout the event. #Harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #asianwintergames #iceandsnow #technology #wintercity #icecity #snowcity

On February 8, in the women's freeski halfpipe event at the 9th Asian Winter Games, Chinese athlete Li Fanghui won the gold medal. This is the first gold medal for the Chinese delegation at this year’s Asian Winter Games. #harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #asianwintergames #goldmedal #sports #chineseathletes

Asian Winter Games | ice and snow sports fuel economic growth As the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin approaches, the "cold" resources of ice and snow sports are heating up into a powerful engine for economic growth. With its deep-rooted ice and snow culture, Heilongjiang Province has unlocked a key catalyst for revitalization. Yabuli Ski Resort, the host venue for snow events at the Games, has seen a remarkable 20 percent year-on-year increase in visitors since January. From spirited seniors to young children, people of all ages are embracing the Chinese New Year through the thrill of winter sports. During the 2024-2025 snow season, public participation in ice and snow sports has surged, with over 500 provincial and county-level competitions expected across the region. These events are projected to directly engage 250,000 participants and attract a total of 7 million visitors—an increase of approximately 20 percent from the previous season. #harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #iceandsnow #sports #icecity #snowcity #wintercity #economy

“Binbin” and “Nini” Explore the Ice City The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin opened on February 7. Follow the official mascots “Binbin” and “Nini” as they tour the iconic landmarks and popular attractions of the Ice City, experiencing the enchanting charm of Harbin’s ice and snow culture. #harbin2025 #discoverharbin #harbinchina #mascots #iceandsnow #wintercity #icecity #snowcity

RT @XHNews: Xi declares 9th Asian Winter Games open

RT @XHNews: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday evening declared the 9th Asian Winter Games open in Harbin, capital city of northeast Ch…

RT @CGTNOfficial: Customized gear boosts ice and snow athlete performance #wintersports #AsianWinterGames

RT @CGTNOfficial: #AsianWinterGames: Why is #Harbin named "the City of Music" #wintersports

RT @CGTNOfficial: "Ice City" #Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province became a social media sensation last winter, and its touris…

RT @CGTNOfficial: #AsianWinterGames promo: Where ice meets glory #Harbin #wintersports